Tony Mansolino’s preview of Orioles’ offseason plans is a breath of fresh air

Playing out the final string of games of a disappointing 2025 season, Baltimore Orioles manager Tony Mansolino has been in a reflective mood of late. Mansolino is expected to be a strong candidate to get the permanent label of being the Orioles' manager this offseason, but until then, he is speaking to some broader plans that Mike Elias' front office may have this offseason.

Obviously, the Orioles need to address the liability that is their starting rotation. Still, Mansolino also seems to believe that the team will be focused on stabilizing Baltimore's bullpen this offseason. While mentioning that there have been some current arms--Dietrich Enns and Kade Strowd--making a strong case to be a part of the bullpen mix next season, Mansolino also suggested that Elias and company will look to add several relievers this winter.

Tony Mansolino offers offseason insight that feels wildly overdue

Similar to their need in the rotation, it's not breaking news that the Orioles need to make some real changes their bullpen over the offseason. After decimating their bullpen at the trade deadline, and Felix Bautista likely missing most of the 2026 season, there is a need for restructuring if the Orioles are going to contend next year.

This is an important offseason for the Orioles. Even before the disappointment of this season, questions last offseason arose over the lack of urgency the front office had in addressing the needs on their roster. Being viewed as one of baseball's most disappointing teams this season, there will be even more urgency for the team heading into 2026. That will require a level of financial commitment that the team has previously shied away from.

Back to Mansolino, he is saying all of the right things when talking about what the Orioles need to do this offseason, and honestly, his willingness to speak bluntly about the Orioles' issues should be more of a reason to remove the interim tag from his job description. Considering all that has gone wrong with the Orioles' 2025 season, Mansolino has been a bright spot, even if it can't be fully seen through the injuries and regression that the team has dealt with.

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