After a scorching start where they dominated opposing pitchers, the Orioles appeared set to compete for the AL East title and secure the best record in the American League.
Their recent performance, with a 5-5 record over their last 10 games, has seen them fall from the top of the AL standings to the Wild Card spot if the playoffs were to begin today. The silver lining is that there are about three weeks remaining in the regular season, offering the Orioles time to regain their form and return to their winning ways.
Nevertheless, confidence in the clubhouse appears low. Veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins described the team’s morale as “fair” and acknowledged that, while they were soundly beaten in their last game, baseball allows them to set a new tone for the future.
Since the All-Star break, the Orioles have posted a 24-25 record. While not alarming, it highlights their struggle to secure consecutive wins. Their offense ranks sixth in runs scored (239), but their pitching staff has struggled, with the 20th-worst team ERA (4.48) during this period.
The issue isn’t solely with the pitching; the offense has faltered in crucial moments. This inconsistency has been frustrating, as the team searches for the level of performance they demonstrated earlier in the season.
Looking ahead, the Orioles might face another challenge this winter with the potential departure of one of their top hitters. Anthony Santander will be a free agent, and his strong performance could attract bigger offers from other teams. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has predicted that the Orioles may let Santander go to give younger players a chance and save money for other needs.
Reuter suggests that the Mariners could be a likely destination for Santander, highlighting his impressive stats this season and potential fit in Seattle’s lineup. If the Mariners, who are currently 3.5 games out of the AL Wild Card, were to acquire Santander, his presence could significantly impact their postseason chances.
For the Orioles, retaining Santander would make sense as they aim to contend now.
