The biggest questions the Orioles must answer in 2025

With Opening Day fast approaching, rosters across the majors are beginning to take shape. For the Baltimore Orioles, a team on the cusp of contention, the offseason strategy was an interesting one — forgoing splashy signings in favor of experienced veterans.

This was a calculated gamble. Instead of re-signing their proven slugger Anthony Santander, Baltimore opted to infuse the roster with veteran leadership, including Tyler O’Neill, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Gary Sánchez. The front office’s decision was seemingly driven by financial prudence, but could it also be a savvy move in a competitive AL East?

The Orioles have built one of the most formidable young lineups in baseball, rivaling the offensive firepower of the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers. With Gunnar Henderson anchoring the infield and Adley Rutschman establishing himself as a franchise catcher, Baltimore’s youth movement has arrived. Add in Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles' offensive ceiling is high.

But offensive firepower alone won’t win a division. The AL East remains a grueling gauntlet — a division where all five teams are in a deep battle for supremacy year after year. The Rays and Blue Jays took a step back, retooling after underwhelming seasons. The Red Sox spent aggressively, signaling an all-in approach. And while the Yankees boast offensive firepower, they lost their ace Gerrit Cole for the season and lack both rotational and infield depth.

The door is open for Baltimore. But for the Orioles to capitalize, their biggest question mark — pitching stability and durability — must be addressed.

Will the rotation be a boom or bust?

Baltimore’s rotation is a mix of potential, experience, and uncertainty. At the top, Zach Eflin assumes the role of ace, bringing with him flashes of dominance but also inconsistency, as evidenced by his rough spring. Grayson Rodriguez is a high-upside, high-risk arm with insane talent. One who has shown elite potential but continues to battle injuries (currently injured) and struggles with command. If healthy, he could be the difference-maker Baltimore desperately needs.

Then there's Charlie Morton, a 41-year-old veteran who continues to defy Father Time but will be heavily relied upon in the middle of the rotation. Dean Kremer is looking to pitch his second full season in his career, with uncharacteristic injuries littered in 2024, still a question mark health wise. And finally, there's Tomoyuki Sugano, a Japanese star with a decade of dominance overseas, but an unknown commodity at the MLB level. While not a strikeout threat, Sugano will likely find early-season success followed by a declining K/9 as hitters get more film on him.

Even with the latest addition Kyle Gibson and the emerging Cade Povich, the rotation lacks a true workhorse, and depth remains an issue. Baltimore will likely need a midseason pitching acquisition if they want to make a deep run.

Do the veteran wild cards have enough left in the tank?

Beyond the rotation, health is a major concern with several key veterans.

• Tyler O’Neill has big time power but has battled injuries throughout his career.
• Gary Sánchez, now the backup catcher and DH, is streaky at best, struggling to find consistency at the plate in recent years.
• Ramón Laureano, while still a strong defender, has seen a steady decline in offensive production.

All three players have high ceilings, but their ability to stay healthy and produce consistently will dictate how far the Orioles can go.

Can Baltimore actually go the distance?

The Orioles have the talent to contend for a division title — that much is clear. But they are walking a tightrope, relying on a blend of young stars, aging veterans, and injury-prone pieces.

The AL East is up for grabs, and Baltimore has a clear path to the top. But if this team wants to make noise in October, one thing remains unavoidable: they'll need more pitching.

For now, the bet has been placed. Time will tell if these veterans can make it pay off.