Baltimore Orioles’ Slumping Pitchers Aren’t the Only Ones to Blame for Brutal Start

The 2025 MLB season has not been kind to the Baltimore Orioles. With high hopes for a resurgence based on an exciting young core and a solid 2024 campaign, the team has faced an unexpectedly brutal start to the season. While it’s easy to point fingers at the team’s slumping pitchers, the truth is that they aren’t the only ones to blame for the Orioles’ struggles. A combination of offensive inconsistency, defensive mishaps, managerial decisions, and the lack of depth in the farm system have all contributed to the team’s rough beginning.

The Pitching Woes

When a baseball team stumbles out of the gate, it’s often the pitching staff that gets the most scrutiny—and for good reason. The Orioles’ pitchers have certainly not lived up to expectations this season. Coming into the year, the team’s starting rotation was projected to be one of its strongest assets, with veterans and young guns alike poised to make significant contributions. However, that has not been the case.

Several key pitchers, including ace Grayson Rodriguez, have been hit hard in the early going. Rodriguez, expected to be the cornerstone of the rotation, has posted a 5.65 ERA over his first few starts, far from the ace-like numbers that the Orioles were hoping for. His struggles with command have been evident, as he’s allowed too many walks and home runs, issues that have put extra pressure on the bullpen. Similarly, Kyle Gibson, the veteran signing meant to provide stability, has shown signs of wear and tear, with an ERA approaching 6.00 early in the season. His fastball velocity is down, and hitters have taken advantage of his mistakes.

The bullpen has been no better. With closer Félix Bautista dealing with a minor injury, the back end of the Orioles’ relief corps has faltered. Yennier Cano, a key setup man, has struggled with consistency. He has failed to put away batters in high-leverage situations, leading to blown saves and unnecessary losses. The bullpen’s inability to consistently close games has left the Orioles in a perpetual state of catch-up.

However, while the pitching staff has undeniably underperformed, it’s important to note that the team’s pitching woes aren’t entirely the fault of individual slumps. Injuries have played a significant role in derailing the pitching staff. Bautista’s absence, even for a brief time, has highlighted just how thin the bullpen really is. Additionally, a lack of reliable depth in the rotation means that the Orioles have been forced to overwork pitchers, leading to fatigue and poor performances.

Offensive Inconsistencies

If the Orioles’ pitchers are taking the bulk of the blame for the team’s struggles, the offense is often overlooked in discussions. While the pitching staff’s inability to hold down leads is a clear issue, the team’s offense has also been inconsistent and unreliable, putting even more pressure on the struggling pitchers.

Cedric Mullins, once an MVP candidate in the making, has had a slow start to the season. His batting average hovers around .220, and his power numbers are down. He’s been striking out at an alarming rate, and his plate discipline has been questionable. This is especially concerning for the Orioles, who rely heavily on Mullins as a spark at the top of the lineup. Without his production, the offense lacks a consistent table-setter, and the team’s ability to generate runs is stymied.

Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ star catcher and one of the best young players in the league, has also experienced a slump at the plate. While his defensive ability has remained stellar, his bat has not been as consistent as the team needs. His power numbers have been lackluster, and his on-base percentage is below his career averages. Rutschman’s struggles have been particularly concerning because he is one of the few players on the roster with elite potential at the plate.

Outside of Mullins and Rutschman, there have been few players stepping up offensively. Ryan Mountcastle, who showed flashes of brilliance in the past, has been mired in an extended slump. His batting average is hovering around the Mendoza line, and his power has completely disappeared. The lack of depth in the lineup has left the Orioles reliant on a few key players to carry the load. When they don’t produce, the team struggles to generate offense and create momentum.

Part of the problem has been situational hitting. The Orioles have struggled to hit with runners in scoring position, often failing to come through in clutch situations. This has led to a lot of wasted opportunities, leaving the pitching staff exposed to the pressure of holding a slim lead or, in many cases, trying to overcome a deficit.

Defensive Deficiencies

In addition to pitching and offensive problems, the Orioles have also been plagued by defensive lapses. In a season where every game feels important, defensive errors and missed opportunities can make a significant difference. The Orioles’ defense has been a glaring weakness, often compounding the team’s pitching issues.

At the heart of the defensive struggles is shortstop Jorge Mateo. While Mateo’s speed and range have always been his strong suit, his throwing accuracy has been inconsistent. Errors on routine plays have led to extra outs for opposing teams, putting additional strain on the pitching staff. Similarly, the Orioles’ outfield defense, once considered a strength, has been shaky. Mullins, though still a solid center fielder, has had a few misplays that have cost the team. Left field has also been a revolving door, with a lack of consistent play leading to both missed opportunities and a lack of stability.

Defensive metrics, such as Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), show that the Orioles are below average in terms of fielding efficiency. This is a far cry from previous seasons when the team’s defense was an underrated strength. With the pitching staff struggling, the Orioles need to play flawless defense to help mitigate the damage.

Managerial Decisions and Team Chemistry

The role of manager Brandon Hyde cannot be overlooked in the Orioles’ struggles. While Hyde has generally been praised for his leadership and for helping to develop a competitive team, his decisions this season have come under scrutiny. In particular, his handling of the pitching staff has been questionable. In an attempt to juggle injuries and underperformance, Hyde has frequently had to adjust his bullpen rotations, often leading to mismatches in high-leverage situations. His decisions have at times seemed reactive rather than proactive, with late-game moves failing to turn the tide for the team.

Moreover, team chemistry, a factor that is sometimes hard to quantify but undeniably important, may be affecting the Orioles’ performance. A team that is collectively struggling might lack the cohesion needed to overcome adversity. The pressure of playing for a fanbase that expects better results, combined with the tension created by individual slumps, can lead to an environment of frustration. Hyde’s ability to keep the team motivated and focused will be tested as the season progresses.

Lack of Depth and Player Development

One of the key issues facing the Orioles has been their lack of depth. While the team has some promising young talent, the bench and farm system have not been able to provide immediate support at the major league level. The Orioles have had to rely heavily on a core group of players, and when those players slump, there isn’t much to fall back on.

Injuries to key players have further exacerbated this issue. The loss of a player like Bautista is significant, but the lack of a true backup plan or reliable depth in the farm system has shown just how fragile the Orioles’ roster is. Players who have been called up from the minors to fill in for injured players have often struggled to make an impact, further highlighting the gap between the Orioles’ established talent and their prospects.

The Bigger Picture: Expectations and Future Outlook

Heading into the season, the Orioles were considered an up-and-coming team in the AL East. However, their early struggles have cast doubt on their ability to compete in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The team has been competitive in recent years, but if they are to bounce back from their slow start, they’ll need significant contributions from a variety of areas.

The key to success moving forward will be finding stability. The pitching staff needs to bounce back, with the starters finding their rhythm and the bullpen learning to lock down games. The offense will need more consistent performances from its stars, and the defense must improve to avoid costly mistakes. Manager Brandon Hyde will need to adjust his strategies to bring out the best in his players, and the team’s young core must mature into the leaders that the Orioles need.

In the long term, the front office will need to invest in adding depth, whether through trades or player development, to ensure that the Orioles are not dependent on a few key players. The team’s future remains bright, but it is clear that they need to address their weaknesses in order to realize their potential.

The Baltimore Orioles’ slow start to the 2025 season cannot be pinned solely on the shoulders of their struggling pitchers. While the pitching staff has certainly been a focal point of the team’s issues, the offense, defense, and even managerial decisions have all played a role in the team’s woes. Moving forward, the Orioles will need to address these issues and find a way to rally as a team. With a combination of player development, better decision-making, and some key roster moves, they can still turn the season around. But the clock is ticking, and it will take more than just a few strong pitching performances to get them back on track.