The Baltimore Orioles entered last season with high hopes of contending for the World Series, following impressive growth in 2022 and 2023. After a strategic rebuild, they jumped from 52 wins to 83 in 2022, then soared to 101 wins with an ALDS appearance in 2023.
However, 2024 saw a slight dip, which many thought was just a bump in the road before a breakout 2025. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and the Orioles ended up being one of the most disappointing teams in baseball.
With a 75-87 record, they found themselves at the bottom of the AL East. Despite a roster filled with star prospects like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, the young core struggled to meet expectations.
Now, as the Orioles look to 2026, the entire roster has something to prove. The potential is there, but the young talent needs to translate their promise into major league success. Among these players, whose reputation is most at stake?
Adley Rutschman’s performance has been closely tied to the Orioles' fortunes. The 2019 first overall pick was one of the most highly regarded catcher prospects ever and made a strong early impact. He breezed through the minors and impressed in the majors, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 with a 5.4 WAR, signaling immense potential.
In his sophomore year, Rutschman hit .277 with 20 home runs, earning a ninth-place MVP finish. His ability to hit at an elite level while providing excellent defense made him a valuable asset. However, after earning a second All-Star selection in 2024, his offensive numbers declined in the latter half of the season and worsened in 2025, batting just .220 with nine homers.
Without Rutschman firing on all cylinders, Baltimore's potential is limited. Adding pressure is the emergence of Samuel Basallo, possibly the best catcher prospect in baseball, ready to take on a full-time role. While Rutschman and Basallo are expected to share duties behind the plate and rotate at designated hitter and first base, Rutschman has the opportunity to reassert himself as the primary catcher.
Basallo’s presence could also help Rutschman stay fresh, especially after last year's hamstring issues. While his defense remains strong, rediscovering his batting prowess is crucial.
Rutschman isn’t the only one with something to prove this spring. Pete Alonso needs to justify his massive contract, Jordan Westburg has to overcome health issues, Henderson aims to reclaim his status as a top 10 player, and the pitching staff must validate the decision not to sign a top free agent starter. Yet, it’s Rutschman who arguably has the most at stake.