5 things Orioles fans want to see in 2024

2: Contract extensions for the young stars

Baseball fans have seen money thrown around in record amounts in recent years, especially from teams with deep pockets like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Orioles need to follow in the footsteps of teams like the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers and sign young stars to long contracts early.

The Braves gave Ronald Acuna Jr. an eight year $100 million contract, with a team option for two more years, after he won Rookie of the Year. That contract will pay him an average of $12.5 million per year, miles away from the $30-70 million other top-tier players are now getting these days. They have given other young stars like Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris long-term contracts that should help keep them at a reduced rate as well.

The Brewers recently signed their top prospect, Jackson Chourio to an extension before he even debuted in the majors. The Orioles need to sign players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday to long-term contracts or risk repeating the fate of the 2015 Kansas City Royals and 2016 Chicago Cubs who lost all their homegrown stars after winning.

1: David Rubenstein to purchase the Orioles

John Angelos has been the black eye of the Orioles ever since he took control of the team. Between statements he has made about the Orioles play, the idea of drastic raises in ticket prices, the suspension of beloved commentator Kevin Brown and all the drama with the stadium lease, O’s fans are tired of the negativity surrounding him.

Recent rumors have surfaced about David Rubenstein, a self made billionaire from Baltimore, purchasing the team. He has donated hundreds of millions to various causes and schools and is an original member of The Giving Pledge, and organization that encourages wealthy people to donate at least half of their wealth after they die. Rubenstein appears to be a good person with local ties that could help the Orioles and their fans.

This year was a great one for the Orioles and their fans that certainly be difficult to top, but this list seems like a decent starting place for the Orioles to start.