The Baltimore Orioles hope their 2025 season will be much more successful than 2024. Despite winning 91 regular-season games, the Orioles finished second in the AL East and were knocked out in the first round of the MLB Playoffs.
They made the playoffs the last two years but have not won a playoff series. Baltimore lost a few impact players, Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, this offseason. However, Gunnar Henderson’s health could be the greatest determining factor in the Orioles’ success this season.
Gunnar Henderson ‘Hopeful’ for Opening Day
Henderson suffered a mild right intercostal strain during Spring Training, and his status for Opening Day is uncertain. According to Fox Sports reporter Jake Rill, the Orioles are “hopeful” Henderson will be in the Opening Day lineup.
Gunnar Henderson has a mild right intercostal strain, but the Orioles are hopeful that he will be ready for Opening Day
per @JakeDRill pic.twitter.com/7Pn8KKoExI
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 5, 2025
Henderson is by far the most crucial position player on the Orioles. He is coming off a career year where he hit .281 with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs. He also added 21 stolen bases and finished fourth in AL MVP voting.
Losing Henderson for any time will be significant. The Orioles cannot afford a slow start playing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. Opening Day is March 27, so that is the date the Orioles should have circled on their calendar as Henderson’s return date.
Can the Orioles Break Their Playoff Curse?
The Orioles have not won a playoff series since 2014. Despite having a few seasons with impressive rosters, the Orioles cannot get it done when it matters most. This franchise was the worst in baseball from 2018 to 2021, allowing them to select high in the MLB Draft and find many impact players.
This roster is full of young talent and players who should help the Orioles return to the promised land. Aside from Henderson, the Orioles have Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Grayson Rodriguez, and Jordan Westburg. All of whom should play a substantial role in 2025. The pitching staff will likely make or break the Orioles this season. Losing Burnes in free agency was a massive loss, and they did not do much to fill the void.
Baltimore will rely on veteran starters Zach Eflin and Charlie Morton to eat innings this season. Both pitchers have been around the league plenty and have had success on multiple teams. However, it is risky for the Orioles to put so much stock in two injury-prone starters. No matter who is on the field, this is a massive season for the Orioles to show they can compete for a World Series.
