The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most exciting teams of 2024. They have it all, from young superstars to veteran aces and also the #1 prospect. The Orioles had a run to the postseason in 2023 but fell short in the divisional round. The Orioles operated on a win-now mindset this offseason, acquiring Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. That and the young stars will make for an exciting 2024 for Oriole fans.
Where were they in 2023?
The Baltimore Orioles finished 101-61 last season and finished first in the AL East. The Orioles were not expected to be a 100-win team in 2023, but more of just an above-average team. The Orioles were a fan favorite because of catcher Adley Rutschman and the hype surrounding him. Rutschman hit .277 and received a Silver Slugger, along with an All-Star appearance. Another offensive star was Anthony Santander who hit .257 with 28 HRs. The Orioles were one of the top-scoring teams and one of the best at preventing runs. That being said, the Orioles’ point differential was +129 on the season which was one of the best in the MLB.
Baltimore was looking great going into the postseason after winning the division, but they ran into a buzzsaw that was the Texas Rangers. Some people have said that getting the bye in the postseason could be a detriment instead of an advantage. Regardless of everything, the Orioles were ahead of schedule in the realm of all their up-and-coming prospects. Even though they came up short, the Baltimore Orioles will be just fine in 2024.
Key Losses
Kyle Gibson: Kyle Gibson signed a one-year deal this offseason with the St. Louis Cardinals. While Gibson wasn’t spectacular for the Orioles, he did provide 33 starts for the team and was a solid starting pitcher.
Jack Flaherty: Flaherty signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in the offseason. Flaherty had a season to forget last year and sure is hoping to get back to his old St. Louis self.
Key Additions
Corbin Burnes: Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason for LHP DL Hall and INF Joey Ortiz. Burnes is a former Cy Young winner, 3x All-Star, and won an ERA title. He was traded with two years left on his contract after a little dust-up with the Brewers’ high-ups about arbitration. He is an outstanding pitcher with a great cutter.
Depth Chart
Opening Day Rotation: Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Cole Irvin, Tyler Wells
Bullpen: Craig Kimbrel, Keegan Akin, Mike Baumann, Yennier Cano, Danny Coulombe, Cionel Pérez, Dillion Tate, Jacob Webb
Lineup: CF Cedric Mullins, C Rutschman, SS Gunnar Henderson, RF Santander, DH Ryan Mountcastle, 1B Ryan O’Hearn, LF Austin Hays, 3B Ramón Urías, 2B Jorge Mateo
Bench: INF Jordan Westburg, C James McCann, OF Colton Cowser, UTL Tony Kemp
Where Do They Plan to Go?
Finally, the Baltimore Orioles are one of the favorites to win it all in the MLB in 2024. After getting to the ALDS and getting swept, the Orioles will be a force in the MLB. Guys like Burnes, Kremer, and Rodriguez are going to lead the Orioles to the postseason as long as the offense keeps it up. Burnes is the favorite to win the AL Cy Young at +800. The young guys will have more pressure on them than before because of the postseason berth last year. #1 overall prospect Jackson Holliday will start the year in the MiLB but it is assumed that he will make it to the show at some point in 2024. Rutschman, Santander, and Henderson are the others that will need to show up in the strong AL East. It would be a disappointment of a season to not make the postseason, barring injuries.
Win Projection: 91-95 wins
Odds to win World Series: +1400 (via FanDuel)
The Baltimore Orioles won over 100 games last year, so seeing them at 90.5 o/u wins seems odd. That being said, the Baltimore Orioles will be a team to watch in 2024.
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