What would a successful season look like for the Orioles in 2025?

The AL East has long been regarded as one of the most grueling divisions in baseball, and 2025 will be no exception. Over the past decade (2015–2024), the division has produced five different champions — more variety than any other in the majors. In contrast, the NL West has had just two winners, while every other division has seen three. That level of unpredictability and sustained competition underscores just how difficult it is to stay on top in the AL East. Now, as the Baltimore Orioles prepare to continue their ascension to the top, the question looms: What exactly does a successful 2025 season look like for them?

Overcoming the early setbacks

The path ahead looked much smoother before injuries began stacking up. Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson is set to miss the start of the season, a major blow for a team built around its young core. Adding to the concerns, ace pitcher Grayson Rodriguez’s status remains uncertain, and all eyes are on whether dominant closer Félix Bautista can regain his form after returning from injury.

If those three were fully healthy, Baltimore’s outlook would definitely be different. Instead, they’re entering the season with a roster that’s beginning to deal with adversity — making them a tough sell as a perennial contender.

However, all hope is far from lost. Baltimore made key offseason moves to ensure they have veteran leadership in place. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and catcher/DH Gary Sánchez bring much-needed experience to a roster still brimming with youthful energy. Meanwhile, pitcher Charlie Morton, seemingly drinking from the fountain of youth, provides a stabilizing force in the rotation.

For the Orioles to weather the early storm, these veterans must step up. The clubhouse will lean on them to keep the team focused and competitive until their young stars return to full strength.

They will also need consistent production from key lineup mainstays, particularly outfielder Cedric Mullins and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. For Mountcastle, a return to his peak power-hitting form would be a welcomed sight, giving the Orioles a true run producer to complement their young stars.

Meanwhile, Mullins must cut down on his streaky play and regain the consistency that once made him one of the most dynamic leadoff hitters in the game. If both players can deliver steady, reliable performances throughout the season, Baltimore’s offense will be far more formidable and balanced.

The difference between success and failure for the Orioles in 2025 is no longer up for debate: It's postseason or bust.

Gone are the days of Baltimore being viewed as a young, developing team. The "Baby Birds" are growing up, and expectations have boomed accordingly. With the Yankees dealing with their own share of setbacks leaving them primed for a potential step back, the door is open for the Orioles and Red Sox to battle for AL East supremacy.

Yet, securing another division title won’t be enough. The Orioles should seek to prove that they can do more than just win in the regular season.

O's must address last postseason's biggest weakness

Relying solely on offensive firepower carried Baltimore through much of last season, but that approach came back to haunt them when it mattered most. Their bats needed to show up in clutch moments — and they were silent.

In their best-of-three Wild Card series against the Royals, the Orioles went an abysmal 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. For the second consecutive year, they were swept out of the playoffs in their opening series, extending their postseason losing streak to ten games, a drought dating back to the 2014 ALCS.

For Baltimore, 2025 cannot be another repeat of past failures. So, what defines success for the 2025 Orioles?

A division title would be great. Winning 90-plus games would be impressive. But if the season ends with another swift playoff exit, it will be hard to call a success.

Simply put: Regular season dominance means nothing if Baltimore can’t translate it into October success. The time for growth and excuses is over. The Orioles must prove they belong in the same conversation alongside the other contenders in the league.