Orioles Players Starting to Feel Pressure About Getting Season on Track

The Baltimore Orioles have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, working tirelessly to develop young talent, revamp their farm system, and return the franchise to a competitive state. With the expectations rising for the team after a somewhat promising 2022 season and the influx of young, talented players, the pressure to perform and get the season back on track is becoming more palpable.

As the 2025 MLB season continues to unfold, the Orioles are facing a critical juncture in their journey. The hope for a return to the playoffs looms large, but despite the promise of young stars and the club’s evolving roster, the reality is that the pressure is beginning to build. Whether it’s the veterans or the newcomers, the players can’t escape the heightened expectations that come with a fanbase eager for success.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how the pressure is mounting for Orioles players, what the current state of the team looks like, the factors contributing to the pressure, and how the team’s leadership is responding. We’ll also explore how the changing dynamic within the organization is affecting both the individual players and the team’s overall strategy.

The Baltimore Orioles entered the rebuilding phase a few years ago after a string of disappointing seasons that saw the team finish near the bottom of the American League East. In the face of adversity, the front office focused on developing a core of young players, emphasizing strong player development, drafting, and international scouting. Through the development of key prospects like Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez, Gunnar Henderson, and others, the team began to show signs of life.

By 2022, the Orioles finished with a respectable 83–79 record, which was considered a surprising improvement for a team in the midst of a rebuild. That season marked the end of a long period of mediocrity, and the Orioles found themselves closer to being competitive in the AL East. Fans began to believe in the team’s direction, and expectations for the 2023 season started to rise.

However, despite some solid individual performances, the 2023 season was a mixture of highs and lows for the Orioles. With a more competitive roster, the pressure to take the next step was undeniable. But entering the 2025 season, expectations for the team are even higher. With a playoff berth now the goal, the question becomes: Can the Orioles rise to meet those expectations?

As of May 2025, the Orioles are struggling to put together a consistent run of wins. The early part of the season has shown flashes of potential but has been marred by inconsistent pitching, struggles with offensive consistency, and an inability to close out tight games. While the team has an impressive group of young players and veterans who were expected to be the backbone of the squad, the pressure to live up to their potential is becoming evident.

The team’s offense has not been as explosive as hoped, with players like Rutschman and Henderson showing glimpses of brilliance but struggling to stay consistent. Meanwhile, pitching has been a concern, with the starting rotation failing to find stability. The bullpen, which was once a strength, has been inconsistent, and the defensive play—while still solid—is sometimes lackluster.

The AL East remains one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball, and the Orioles’ slow start to the season has not gone unnoticed. As the pressure builds, the team is starting to feel the weight of the expectations placed on them. Fans who have been patient during the rebuild are beginning to grow restless, and the media attention surrounding the team has intensified.

The pressure to succeed falls especially heavily on the young stars of the Orioles’ lineup. Players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez have already shown flashes of brilliance, but they are now expected to be the faces of the franchise. These players are no longer rookies or budding talents—they are the cornerstones upon which the franchise’s success is being built.

Adley Rutschman is perhaps the most important player for the Orioles, not only because of his undeniable talent but also due to his leadership qualities. As the team’s catcher and one of the best young players in baseball, Rutschman’s ability to both handle pitchers and provide offensive production is vital for the Orioles’ success. However, the spotlight on Rutschman has only grown brighter, and with it, the expectations.

The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Rutschman so far. While he has shown his usual proficiency behind the plate, his offensive numbers have fluctuated, and he has struggled at times to be the dominant force that many expect him to be. Opponents know that Rutschman is the key to the Orioles’ success, and they have been aggressive in their approach, making his job that much harder. As a result, Rutschman feels the pressure to elevate his performance and ensure that the team gets back on track.

Gunnar Henderson is another young star who has the potential to lead the Orioles back to prominence. Henderson has impressed with his combination of power and versatility, showing the ability to play both shortstop and third base at an elite level. The 2025 season, however, has been challenging for Henderson as he faces the growing expectations to carry the offense. He has shown flashes of his potential, but like Rutschman, he has struggled to maintain consistency.

Henderson’s ability to hit for power, get on base, and provide solid defense is essential for the Orioles’ success, but as the pressure mounts, he will need to develop more mental toughness to weather the storm. As young players with a bright future, both Rutschman and Henderson understand the importance of this season, and they are feeling the weight of leading the team to victory.

On the pitching side, Grayson Rodriguez is another young player who is expected to be a key contributor. Rodriguez has immense talent, and many view him as the future ace of the Orioles’ rotation. His raw stuff is electric, but he has yet to find the consistency that an ace needs to have.

Rodriguez has experienced growing pains in 2025, with his command being a significant issue at times. As the Orioles’ staff struggles to find consistency, Rodriguez has become a focal point of the pressure. The young pitcher is aware of the expectations and the importance of his development as the team looks to rely on him for a deep postseason run.

While the young players are shouldering much of the pressure, the Orioles’ veterans are also under scrutiny. Players like Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, and Anthony Santander have been mainstays in the Orioles’ lineup for years, and with the team now on the cusp of contention, they are expected to contribute in a meaningful way.

Mullins is one of the most dynamic players on the Orioles roster, known for his speed, defense, and ability to get on base. However, after a hot start to his career, Mullins has had stretches where his production has dipped, and his inconsistency at the plate has been a concern. As the pressure mounts, Mullins will need to find a way to recapture his previous form and provide a stabilizing presence in the lineup.

Mountcastle has long been viewed as one of the Orioles’ most powerful hitters, but his consistency has been questioned over the years. After a breakout 2021 season, Mountcastle has faced challenges in terms of staying healthy and producing at a high level. In 2025, he is expected to be a driving force in the lineup, but the pressure to perform in clutch situations has been evident.

The Orioles’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Elias, has built a competitive team with an eye on the future. However, with expectations rising, the pressure is now on Elias and his team to ensure that the Orioles’ window of contention opens sooner rather than later.

Manager Brandon Hyde has been tasked with guiding the team through this critical phase. Hyde, known for his calm demeanor and experience, is navigating the difficult balance between development and winning in the present. His leadership will be critical as he manages the ebbs and flows of a season filled with high expectations.

The pressure on the Baltimore Orioles to get the 2025 season back on track is undeniable. With the expectations of both the front office and fans rising, the young stars and veteran players are feeling the weight of the moment. The team’s ability to overcome these challenges will depend on their ability to stay focused, embrace the pressure, and perform when it matters most.

While the road ahead is filled with uncertainty, one thing is clear—the Orioles have the talent to succeed. Whether or not they can get their season on track will ultimately come down to their ability to handle the pressure, stay resilient, and execute when it counts. For the players and fans alike, the 2025 season represents both a challenge and an opportunity—one that could mark the beginning of a new era for the Baltimore Orioles.