Unlike the past two seasons, when the Orioles had postseason spots wrapped up well before the schedule ended — winning the AL East in 2023 and grabbing a Wild Card in 2024 — this year told a different story. Baltimore’s 2025 campaign closed with a 3-2 defeat at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, sealing a 75-87 record. It marked their first losing season since 2021 (52-110) and a year that fell short of the expectations they carried into it.
Under interim skipper Tony Mansolino, the Orioles posted a 60-59 record after he replaced Brandon Hyde on May 17, when the club was sitting at 15-28. They finished strong in September with a 14-11 mark, their best stretch of an injury-riddled season.
Looking ahead, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. It’s unlikely Baltimore will again endure 39 injured list stints and lose 29 different players to injuries in 2026. Plus, the young core remains intact and could help steer the team back in the right direction quickly.
Still, there’s no denying that 2025 was a letdown across the board, with the Orioles left out of the postseason picture while three AL East rivals advanced.
“It still feels like a failure deep down inside, knowing the Yankees are moving on, Boston is moving on, and Toronto — a team we handled last year — is moving on, and we’re not,” Mansolino admitted. “So yeah, in a lot of ways it does feel like failure.”
After their season-ending defeat, some Orioles players lingered in the third-base dugout, watching as the Yankees celebrated their upcoming AL Wild Card Series against the Red Sox.
Baltimore knows what that stage feels like. In 2023, they were swept by the Rangers in the ALDS, and in 2024, they were bounced in two games by the Royals in the Wild Card round.
“Playoffs or not, you end up going home frustrated — that’s just the reality we faced this year,” said right-hander Dean Kremer. “But a lot of guys grew from it, both on and off the field, and can use that to take the next step moving forward.”
Kremer emerged as a clubhouse leader down the stretch after Baltimore shipped out nine players at the Trade Deadline. Infielder Jordan Westburg also embraced more responsibility, leading primarily by example.
For Westburg and the rest of the O’s young core — many of whom are used to winning in the minors and tasted immediate big-league success — 2025 served as a different kind of lesson.
“I think everyone in this clubhouse needs to take a step back and evaluate — both individually and as a group,” Jordan Westburg said. “What did each of us do, or fail to do, that put us in this position? And then, how do we adjust? That answer will be different for everyone depending on their role and their opportunities heading into camp.”
He added: “At the end of the day, we’re all professionals, and I trust that guys will reflect and make corrections.”
With the offseason starting Monday, Baltimore faces important questions. President of baseball operations Mike Elias must decide on the coaching staff — including whether Tony Mansolino returns — while also addressing roster gaps. The Orioles’ young core will need strong offseasons to position the club for a rebound in 2026.
Despite the setback, belief in the team’s future remains high.
“It wasn’t the season we wanted, but I don’t think anyone doubts what this group is capable of,” catcher Adley Rutschman said. “Nothing’s handed to you in this league — you have to earn it. I know next year guys will come back motivated and ready, and that’s the biggest thing. Now we just have to go out and prove it.”