MLB power rankings believe in Orioles even after top free agent departures

The Orioles have a hefty to-do list this offseason. They'll have to find a way to replace the production of two top free agents in Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. It's possible that one or both return to Baltimore but it seems more unlikely as time passes. They need a right-handed slugger, especially if Santander signs elsewhere. And they'll need starting pitching depth, among other things in order to be successful in 2025.

Despite all that, MLB.com's Mike Petriello still thinks the Orioles are the fourth best team in the league heading into next year. There's still a lot of talent out in the free agent market, so that could certainly change in the next few months. But the fact remains that the O's are still in a desirable position with their roster.

Petriello acknowledges that Adley Rutschman collapsed in the second half of 2024. It's fair to argue that the team needs to figure out how to get him back on track, possibly above all else this winter. The star catcher hit just .207/.282/.303 in the second half, a far cry from the production that the Orioles needed down the stretch.

Outside of that though, fans in Birdland are seemingly questioning the future of the rotation. Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez are a strong duo, and the team should get righty Kyle Bradish back around mid-season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Orioles still seen as top team league-wide despite top free agent departures

Even with that group in place, it'll be tough to replicate the contributions of Corbin Burnes next year. Burnes is set to earn a massive payday, with many experts projecting him to sign a contract worth over $200 million. His performance certainly warrants such a deal. He fell just shy of AL Cy Young consideration but his 2.92 ERA and 194.1 innings won't be easily replaced, unless the O's are willing to shop at the top of the free agent market.

Baltimore has been connected to lefty Max Fried, who would be a strong addition to this club. The O's need a good left-handed starter and Fried fits the bill, though he will end up being pretty expensive when all is said and done.

Regardless of how the Orioles address their roster holes this winter, the fact that the team is in this position is a testament to Mike Elias and his front office group. Colton Cowser is in line to win the AL Rookie of the Year award, and the core of Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, and Jackson Holliday is about as good as any in the league.

With any luck, the Orioles will be able to live up to expectations and start to see some playoff success in 2025. They need to start winning postseason games to change the narrative that's been created over the past two years. But still, it's a great time to be an Orioles fan.