Executives around the league appear near unanimous as to what Orioles need this offseason

The Baltimore Orioles are in the midst of wrapping up one of their most frustrating seasons in recent memory, but around baseball, there’s little doubt about one thing: this franchise isn’t broken. Despite sitting in the basement of the AL East and underperforming nearly every external expectation, the Orioles still boast a core of young, controllable talent that rivals almost any team in the league. That’s why, as the 2025 season fades into the rearview, the conversation isn’t about a teardown. It’s about fixing what’s broken and proving that this group is capable of much more.

And let’s be honest, there are some issues to fix. The same flaws that haunted the team in March are still present in September, from defensive lapses to pitching depth that never truly held up under the grind of 162 games. The season was a missed opportunity, but it also served as a blueprint. Everyone inside and outside the organization knows exactly where the holes are. Now it’s about plugging them.

Baltimore future still promising as executives highlight the next steps

Executives around the league appear to see it the same way. Speaking to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, one National League executive summed it up bluntly:

“The Orioles are still in great shape organizationally. They have talent at the Major League level and a deep farm system. They do need to improve their defense and continue to stockpile pitching depth; if they can do that, they should be right back in postseason contention next year.”

Another NL executive echoed that same optimism, adding:

“They have too much talent to punt on this group. I would be shocked if they don’t look to make some changes, but ultimately to continue doing everything they can to win a championship while this group is still young and affordable. They had a tough year, but I think we’ve seen over the last few weeks that they can still play.”

Of course, those changes will start with the rotation. Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano, two of the few reliable innings-eaters Baltimore had in 2025, are heading into free agency. That’s not a crisis, but it’s also not something that can be ignored. The Orioles can’t simply roll into 2026 banking on “internal improvement.” A real investment in pitching will be required, whether that’s through trades, free agency, or both.

Fans should have every reason to expect that investment. The front office has spent years carefully stacking this roster with young talent. From Samuel Basallo’s recent extension to the wave of top-tier prospects that have made their way to Camden Yards, the O’s are positioned to strike. The window isn’t closing; if anything, it’s opening wider.

The 2025 Orioles were a disappointment, yes, but not a disaster. They still have Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Basallo, and a farm system full of reinforcements. They still have one of the brightest long-term outlooks in baseball. What they need now is to pair that potential with the kind of shrewd roster building that turns promise into pennants.

For Orioles fans, the message is clear: this isn’t the end of the ride. It’s just a speed bump. The executives around the league see it. The players know it. And if the front office is willing to push the right buttons, 2026 could be the season Baltimore reminds everyone exactly how dangerous this team is capable of being.

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