Way too early 2025 Orioles starting lineup projection

Every playoff team except the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have joined the Baltimore Orioles on the sidelines of the 2024 baseball season. Even the Royals, who looked like a team full of Cy Young candidates in sweeping the O's, were beaten relatively easily by the Yankees in four games in the ALDS.

Although misery loves company, the sting of a bitter end to the 2024 season remains. And while Opening Day is 155 days away, let's look ahead to how the Orioles may line up when they take the field in Toronto on March 27, 2025. And yes, I agree it may be way too early for this.

How the Orioles look on Opening Day 2025 will depend on how active they are this offseason. In a dream scenario, the Orioles would sign Juan Soto to play right field for the next decade, but it is unlikely that new owner David Rubenstein will spend what it will require to land the 25 year-old superstar.

This article will predict two 2025 lineups: one if the Orioles do not add any new bats, and one if the Orioles are able to upgrade their lineup this offseason. Both lineups assume the Orioles let Anthony Santander walk, as I do not expect he will be worth the nine-figure contract he is likely to sign.

Baltimore Orioles 2025 lineup with only in-house candidates

• Colton Cowser, LF
• Jordan Westburg, 3B
• Gunnar Henderson, SS
• Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
• Adley Rutschman, C
• Ryan O'Hearn/Coby Mayo, DH
• Heston Kjerstad, RF
• Cedric Mullins, CF
• Jackson Holliday/Ramon Urias, 2B

If nothing more, the current in-house lineup tells us two things: (1) the Orioles have an overabundance of left-handed hitters, and could use a righty or two to balance the lineup; and (2) the Orioles current in-house lineup needs help. With correcting these issues in mind, I propose the following:

Colton Cowser, LF - stays atop the batting order with his ability to get on base and his power

Seiya Suzuki, RF - an above-average right-fielder with 3.5 WAR and .848 OPS in 2024, Suzuki would be a perfect acquisition for the Orioles if the Cubs make him available (though there is no indication they will or will not). He hit .283 last season and provides something the Orioles desperately need: solid hitting and on-base skills, at a fraction of what Anthony Santander will likely cost. Although somewhat gutted from trades, the Orioles' farm system should still have enough to get a deal done if the Cubs are interested.

Gunnar Henderson, SS - looks to recapture form from MVP-esque first half of 2024

Christian Walker, 1B - as Brian Barr wrote last week, the Orioles should try to add Walker on a short-term deal to add more right-handed power and replace Ryan Mountcastle at first

Joc Pederson/Brent Rooker, DH - the Orioles would be wise to try signing Pederson and his .908 OPS (23 home runs) to DH against right-handers and take aim at the Warehouse. Similarly, they should explore prying Rooker and his 39 home runs from the A's, but the A's may prefer to keep Rooker as they begin anew in Sacramento in 2025.

Adley Rutschman, C - for whatever reason, Adley Rutschman wilted in the second half after a stellar first half. Perhaps a move lower in the lineup does him well.

Jordan Westburg, 3B - Westburg returns to provide some thump to the bottom third of the Orioles' lineup.

Cedric Mullins, CF - One of the few Orioles to finish 2024 strong, Mullins returns for yet another season patrolling centerfield.

Jackson Holliday/Ramon Urias, 2B - While the hope is that Holliday will turn into a full-time starter, it is possible that he platoons with Urias (who hit well in the second half) until he shows more consistency.

In this situation, the Orioles have traded Ryan Mountcastle, moved on from Ryan O'Hearn, and are not counting on contributions from Kjerstad and Mayo too heavily in a season where winning, while not mutually exclusive to play development, may still outweigh the latter. Heston Kjerstad makes the team and starts in RF and DH occasionally.

Of course, the Orioles could -- and should -- look into Juan Soto in free agency or someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if he becomes available. And there is no indication that the Orioles will look to acquire players like Suzuki or Rooker, or that they will be available. But these are ideas that the Orioles should consider this winter to place the best lineup on the field in Toronto that they can on March 27. Remember, you have been warned: I told you this 2025 lineup was way too early.