December 4, 2024 • 11 mins
What if the Orioles' journey from a 100-win season to fighting for a wildcard spot taught us more than just stats and strategy? Get ready to uncover the gritty triumphs and trials of Baltimore's 2024 baseball season. From the stellar rise of Corbin Burns as the rotation's ace to the undeniable impact of Gunnar Henderson's bat, the Orioles had ambitions that stretched beyond the regular season. With Adley Rutschman anchoring the team from behind the plate, we examine the resilience required to overcome injuries to pivotal pitchers like John Means and Grayson Rodriguez. The midseason trades for Trevor Rodgers, Zach Eflin, and Eloy Jimenez reveal the challenges Baltimore faced as the Yankees clinched the AL East, leaving the Orioles to claw their way to a wildcard spot.
As we wrap up our in-depth look at the Orioles, we turn our attention to the Philadelphia Phillies in the forthcoming episode. What does the future hold for a team that's consistently been on the brink of greatness? Join us to explore their upcoming season and speculate on their trajectory for 2025. Our discussion promises thrilling insights and expert analysis to keep you at the edge of your seat. Stay with us on the Baseball Classics Diamondcast as we continue this exhilarating journey through the world of Major League Baseball.
Be sure to go to FREE Baseball Real-Time DiamondView to get all the latest going on in MLB in one website plus access to 2024 MLB player overall, lefty, and righty stats to sort, filter, and/or group!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:24):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again, everybody.
Thanks so much for tuning in tothis Baseball Classics
Diamondcast.
Today we are going to belooking at the Baltimore Orioles
.
We're going to reflect back onwhat happened in 2024, and we're
going to look ahead to whatthey should be doing for the
2025 season and the offseasonand the potential moves they
could be making.
(00:54):
Always great to be with you.
Before we jump in, remember,head on over to
baseballclassicscom slashdiamondview to get the latest
and greatest on everythingthat's happening in Major League
Baseball.
You'll get all the news, therumors, the trades, transactions
and so much more all in onefriendly to use website.
(01:15):
Now what we do is we go out andcurate all this information and
, believe me, it's not in anyone website not MLBcom or
anywhere else.
It's not in any one website notMLBcom or anywhere else.
It's all over the map and wegather it and bring it all
together for you in BaseballClassics Real-Time Diamond View.
So head on over toBaseballClassicscom slash
(01:36):
Diamond View Free.
There's no login.
It's the best place you can goto get all the information that
you need to know that'shappening in Major League
Baseball.
So it'll keep you on the pulse,guaranteed fresh content every
single day.
You won't see the same oldarticles repeated, and if there
are topics that need to becovered, we're going to have
(01:59):
fresh updates for you anytime.
We are posting that withinReal-Time Diamond View.
That's why we call it Real-TimeDiamond View.
You get the real-timeinformation.
So, again, baseballclassicscomslash diamondview.
All right.
As the 2024 season fades intothe golden hues of autumn,
baltimore finds itselfcaptivated by a team that has
(02:22):
once again shown grit, growthand a potential not seen with
this franchise for decades.
The Orioles of 2024 were young,brash and immensely talented,
yet still learning the finerpoints of the game's hardest
lessons.
This season was not simply oneof statistical achievement, but
(02:42):
of resilience, commitment andthe forging of an identity.
This was a season where CamdenYards came alive in a way that
felt unique to Baltimore anelectricity in the air, a
confidence that this team was nolonger content with rebuilding.
They were ready to compete, andthe thrill of watching a team
(03:03):
emerge as a contender wastangible, with fans packing
Can-Man yards for every homegame, living and dying with each
inning.
But like any tale of growth,there were highs, lows and a
postseason that left them hungryfor more.
Fresh off a surprising 100-winseason in 2023, the Orioles
(03:25):
front office knew they had arare opportunity to build a true
contender.
General Manager Mike Elias andhis staff meticulously
orchestrated an offseason thatcould bring lasting success.
The Orioles' first major movewas acquiring Corbin Burns, the
Cy Young-winning right-hander,in a bold trade with the
(03:47):
Milwaukee Brewers.
With Burns in his prime andhungry to prove himself on the
East Coast, this acquisitionshowed Baltimore's commitment to
serious October baseball.
The season began with a flashas the Orioles raced out to a
19-11 record in April.
Burns quickly establishedhimself as the rotation's ace,
(04:10):
maintaining a sub-3.00 ERA andbringing the kind of steadiness
Baltimore had lacked.
Fans saw a glimpse of whatBurns could do in a high-stakes
game, Often matching theleague's best arms, pitched for
pitch, while Gunnar Hendersonbegan to show he was ready to
carry the offense.
Henderson, a breakout star atthird base, wielded a powerful
(04:34):
bat and displayed incrediblefielding that seemed to save
runs nightly.
By midseason he was sittingamong league leaders in home
runs and slugging percentagesitting among league leaders in
home runs and sluggingpercentage, sparking
conversation about his all-starpotential, adlai Rutschman.
Meanwhile, he was proving thathis rookie season was no fluke.
Behind the plate.
(04:54):
He managed a young pitchingstaff and continued to deliver
crucial hits to furthersolidifying his status as a
future franchise cornerstone.
However, as the summerapproached, baltimore's fortunes
took a hit.
Injuries struck, with JohnMeans and Grayson Rodriguez both
landing on the injured list,leaving Burns to carry the load.
(05:14):
The bullpen led by closer FelixBautista found itself stretched
thin.
As early season fatigue set in,the Orioles found themselves
relying more heavily on theirfarm system, calling up
prospects to fill the gaps leftby injuries.
Despite these setbacks,baltimore's depth and youth
allowed them to hang tough,remaining in the AL East race
(05:38):
into July.
With the division race heatingup, elias took a calculated risk
at the trade deadline.
Recognizing the need forrotation depth, he acquired
pitchers Trevor Rodgers and ZachEflin.
Rodgers had shown flashes ofbrilliance in Miami and Eflin
was coming off a successfulstint with Tampa Bay.
However, neither pitchermanaged to find the consistency
(06:00):
Baltimore had hoped for.
Despite struggles, theacquisitions underscored the
Orioles' commitment to winning.
Now.
They also traded for EloyJimenez from the Chicago White
Sox, who didn't work out eitherand was left off their playoff
roster.
This, among other trades, didnot work out for Baltimore's
playoffs pursuit.
(06:21):
As the season entered itsstretch, the Orioles found
themselves neck and neck withthe Yankees for the ALE's title.
Henderson and Rushman were atthe forefront of a young lineup
that kept producing even aspitching inconsistencies loomed.
Anthony Santander added hispower bat, leading the team in
home runs and solidifying hisrole as one of Baltimore's most
(06:44):
consistent offensive players.
But September brought a stringof heartbreaks, as Baltimore
went just above .500, a 40-41record in the second half of the
season.
That saw them slip out of thedivision lead and into a
wildcard spot.
The Yankees surged whileBaltimore's lack of experience
in close races became evident.
The bullpen wavered, withBautista shouldering a heavy
(07:07):
workload and occasionallyfaltering, while Burns, steady
as ever, found himself withoutthe needed run support.
Despite the late season slump,baltimore had punched their
ticket to postseason for thesecond consecutive year.
In October, the Orioles facedoff against the Kansas City
Royals in the wildcard series,with Burns taking the mound in
(07:28):
Game 1,.
Fans expected the Orioles toset the tone, but the Royals
were undaunted and their youngarms managed to stifle
Baltimore's power-laden lineup.
Perez, brought in for hispostseason experience, managed a
clutch hit in Game two, but itwasn't enough.
A normally potent offensesputtered, scoring just three
runs across both games, andBaltimore was swept out of the
(07:52):
playoffs in a shockingconclusion.
The Orioles' early exit was abitter pill for fans, who had
hoped for a deep October run,but it was a season that would
ultimately be remembered as oneof the vital lessons
learned.
Now, as they look towards the2025 season, baltimore's focus
will be on building a team thatcan sustain itself through the
(08:13):
grind of a full season.
Burns becomes a free agent andre-signing him would make a bold
statement, but with Burnscommanding a high price.
Him would make a bold statement, but with Burns commanding a
high price.
The Orioles might insteadpursue rotation depth.
Eduardo Rodriguez and MichaelWacha are more affordable
alternatives who could offerdurability and experience
(08:34):
Offensively.
If Santander leaves, baltimoremay pursue an experienced
outfield bat.
Names like Hunter Renfro havebeen floated as potential power
hitting options to fill that gap.
However, there is no talk ofBaltimore eyeing Juan Soto as a
free agent, an acquisition thatwould supercharge their lineup
with an elite left-handed bat.
(08:56):
The bullpen, despite its highs,could use reinforcement.
Devin Williams could bring afresh boost of late-inning
donments to a team looking toavoid the fatigue issues that
plague them this season.
Additionally, with FelixBautista recovering from injury,
an established closer could bea wise
investment.
Now, as Baltimore reflects on2024, they find themselves on
(09:19):
the brink of greatness.
Gunnar Henderson hasestablished himself as a force
in the lineup and in the field.
As Baltimore reflects on 2024,they find themselves on the
brink of greatness.
Gunnar Henderson hasestablished himself as a force
in the lineup and in the field,and Adley Rutschman continues to
evolve as a leader.
The Orioles are no longer ayoung team learning the ropes.
They are contenders, and theirfan base knows it.
The setbacks of 2024 have onlystrengthened the resolve of a
(09:41):
team hungry for Octoberglory.
Baltimore's front office facesa very crucial offseason, one
that will require measureddecisions to complement the
young core.
With the right moves, theOrioles are primed for an even
stronger run in 2025, perhapseven that elusive World Series
appearance.
Camden Yards has become abeacon of hope, a place where
(10:04):
Oriole fans can look forward toseasons marked not just by
development but by real,meaningful competition.
In the words of the legendaryEarl Weaver, this ain't football
.
We do this every day.
The Orioles are learning thatbaseball is a marathon, not a
sprint.
They've been taught thatpostseason baseball requires
more than talent.
(10:25):
It demands grit, patience andthe wisdom that only comes
through experience.
As 2025 approaches, the Oriolesare better for the lessons they
learned in 2024, and Baltimorefans can rest assured that this
team is not only built tocompete but to
win.
All right, that's a wrap forthis Baseball Classics
(10:46):
Diamondcast.
In the next episode we're goingto cover the Philadelphia
Phillies and what happened in2024 and again a look ahead to
the 2025 season.
So thanks again for tuning in.
We'll see you next time on theBaseball Classics Diamond Cask
right here.
Until then, hope you have agreat day.
So long, everybody.
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:24):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again, everybody.
Thanks so much for tuning in tothis Baseball Classics
Diamondcast.
Today we are going to belooking at the Baltimore Orioles
.
We're going to reflect back onwhat happened in 2024, and we're
going to look ahead to whatthey should be doing for the
2025 season and the offseasonand the potential moves they
could be making.
(00:54):
Always great to be with you.
Before we jump in, remember,head on over to
baseballclassicscom slashdiamondview to get the latest
and greatest on everythingthat's happening in Major League
Baseball.
You'll get all the news, therumors, the trades, transactions
and so much more all in onefriendly to use website.
(01:15):
Now what we do is we go out andcurate all this information and
, believe me, it's not in anyone website not MLBcom or
anywhere else.
It's not in any one website notMLBcom or anywhere else.
It's all over the map and wegather it and bring it all
together for you in BaseballClassics Real-Time Diamond View.
So head on over toBaseballClassicscom slash
(01:36):
Diamond View Free.
There's no login.
It's the best place you can goto get all the information that
you need to know that'shappening in Major League
Baseball.
So it'll keep you on the pulse,guaranteed fresh content every
single day.
You won't see the same oldarticles repeated, and if there
are topics that need to becovered, we're going to have
(01:59):
fresh updates for you anytime.
We are posting that withinReal-Time Diamond View.
That's why we call it Real-TimeDiamond View.
You get the real-timeinformation.
So, again, baseballclassicscomslash diamondview.
All right.
As the 2024 season fades intothe golden hues of autumn,
baltimore finds itselfcaptivated by a team that has
(02:22):
once again shown grit, growthand a potential not seen with
this franchise for decades.
The Orioles of 2024 were young,brash and immensely talented,
yet still learning the finerpoints of the game's hardest
lessons.
This season was not simply oneof statistical achievement, but
(02:42):
of resilience, commitment andthe forging of an identity.
This was a season where CamdenYards came alive in a way that
felt unique to Baltimore anelectricity in the air, a
confidence that this team was nolonger content with rebuilding.
They were ready to compete, andthe thrill of watching a team
(03:03):
emerge as a contender wastangible, with fans packing
Can-Man yards for every homegame, living and dying with each
inning.
But like any tale of growth,there were highs, lows and a
postseason that left them hungryfor more.
Fresh off a surprising 100-winseason in 2023, the Orioles
(03:25):
front office knew they had arare opportunity to build a true
contender.
General Manager Mike Elias andhis staff meticulously
orchestrated an offseason thatcould bring lasting success.
The Orioles' first major movewas acquiring Corbin Burns, the
Cy Young-winning right-hander,in a bold trade with the
(03:47):
Milwaukee Brewers.
With Burns in his prime andhungry to prove himself on the
East Coast, this acquisitionshowed Baltimore's commitment to
serious October baseball.
The season began with a flashas the Orioles raced out to a
19-11 record in April.
Burns quickly establishedhimself as the rotation's ace,
(04:10):
maintaining a sub-3.00 ERA andbringing the kind of steadiness
Baltimore had lacked.
Fans saw a glimpse of whatBurns could do in a high-stakes
game, Often matching theleague's best arms, pitched for
pitch, while Gunnar Hendersonbegan to show he was ready to
carry the offense.
Henderson, a breakout star atthird base, wielded a powerful
(04:34):
bat and displayed incrediblefielding that seemed to save
runs nightly.
By midseason he was sittingamong league leaders in home
runs and slugging percentagesitting among league leaders in
home runs and sluggingpercentage, sparking
conversation about his all-starpotential, adlai Rutschman.
Meanwhile, he was proving thathis rookie season was no fluke.
Behind the plate.
(04:54):
He managed a young pitchingstaff and continued to deliver
crucial hits to furthersolidifying his status as a
future franchise cornerstone.
However, as the summerapproached, baltimore's fortunes
took a hit.
Injuries struck, with JohnMeans and Grayson Rodriguez both
landing on the injured list,leaving Burns to carry the load.
(05:14):
The bullpen led by closer FelixBautista found itself stretched
thin.
As early season fatigue set in,the Orioles found themselves
relying more heavily on theirfarm system, calling up
prospects to fill the gaps leftby injuries.
Despite these setbacks,baltimore's depth and youth
allowed them to hang tough,remaining in the AL East race
(05:38):
into July.
With the division race heatingup, elias took a calculated risk
at the trade deadline.
Recognizing the need forrotation depth, he acquired
pitchers Trevor Rodgers and ZachEflin.
Rodgers had shown flashes ofbrilliance in Miami and Eflin
was coming off a successfulstint with Tampa Bay.
However, neither pitchermanaged to find the consistency
(06:00):
Baltimore had hoped for.
Despite struggles, theacquisitions underscored the
Orioles' commitment to winning.
Now.
They also traded for EloyJimenez from the Chicago White
Sox, who didn't work out eitherand was left off their playoff
roster.
This, among other trades, didnot work out for Baltimore's
playoffs pursuit.
(06:21):
As the season entered itsstretch, the Orioles found
themselves neck and neck withthe Yankees for the ALE's title.
Henderson and Rushman were atthe forefront of a young lineup
that kept producing even aspitching inconsistencies loomed.
Anthony Santander added hispower bat, leading the team in
home runs and solidifying hisrole as one of Baltimore's most
(06:44):
consistent offensive players.
But September brought a stringof heartbreaks, as Baltimore
went just above .500, a 40-41record in the second half of the
season.
That saw them slip out of thedivision lead and into a
wildcard spot.
The Yankees surged whileBaltimore's lack of experience
in close races became evident.
The bullpen wavered, withBautista shouldering a heavy
(07:07):
workload and occasionallyfaltering, while Burns, steady
as ever, found himself withoutthe needed run support.
Despite the late season slump,baltimore had punched their
ticket to postseason for thesecond consecutive year.
In October, the Orioles facedoff against the Kansas City
Royals in the wildcard series,with Burns taking the mound in
(07:28):
Game 1,.
Fans expected the Orioles toset the tone, but the Royals
were undaunted and their youngarms managed to stifle
Baltimore's power-laden lineup.
Perez, brought in for hispostseason experience, managed a
clutch hit in Game two, but itwasn't enough.
A normally potent offensesputtered, scoring just three
runs across both games, andBaltimore was swept out of the
(07:52):
playoffs in a shockingconclusion.
The Orioles' early exit was abitter pill for fans, who had
hoped for a deep October run,but it was a season that would
ultimately be remembered as oneof the vital lessons
learned.
Now, as they look towards the2025 season, baltimore's focus
will be on building a team thatcan sustain itself through the
(08:13):
grind of a full season.
Burns becomes a free agent andre-signing him would make a bold
statement, but with Burnscommanding a high price.
Him would make a bold statement, but with Burns commanding a
high price.
The Orioles might insteadpursue rotation depth.
Eduardo Rodriguez and MichaelWacha are more affordable
alternatives who could offerdurability and experience
(08:34):
Offensively.
If Santander leaves, baltimoremay pursue an experienced
outfield bat.
Names like Hunter Renfro havebeen floated as potential power
hitting options to fill that gap.
However, there is no talk ofBaltimore eyeing Juan Soto as a
free agent, an acquisition thatwould supercharge their lineup
with an elite left-handed bat.
(08:56):
The bullpen, despite its highs,could use reinforcement.
Devin Williams could bring afresh boost of late-inning
donments to a team looking toavoid the fatigue issues that
plague them this season.
Additionally, with FelixBautista recovering from injury,
an established closer could bea wise
investment.
Now, as Baltimore reflects on2024, they find themselves on
(09:19):
the brink of greatness.
Gunnar Henderson hasestablished himself as a force
in the lineup and in the field.
As Baltimore reflects on 2024,they find themselves on the
brink of greatness.
Gunnar Henderson hasestablished himself as a force
in the lineup and in the field,and Adley Rutschman continues to
evolve as a leader.
The Orioles are no longer ayoung team learning the ropes.
They are contenders, and theirfan base knows it.
The setbacks of 2024 have onlystrengthened the resolve of a
(09:41):
team hungry for Octoberglory.
Baltimore's front office facesa very crucial offseason, one
that will require measureddecisions to complement the
young core.
With the right moves, theOrioles are primed for an even
stronger run in 2025, perhapseven that elusive World Series
appearance.
Camden Yards has become abeacon of hope, a place where
(10:04):
Oriole fans can look forward toseasons marked not just by
development but by real,meaningful competition.
In the words of the legendaryEarl Weaver, this ain't football
.
We do this every day.
The Orioles are learning thatbaseball is a marathon, not a
sprint.
They've been taught thatpostseason baseball requires
more than talent.
(10:25):
It demands grit, patience andthe wisdom that only comes
through experience.
As 2025 approaches, the Oriolesare better for the lessons they
learned in 2024, and Baltimorefans can rest assured that this
team is not only built tocompete but to
win.
All right, that's a wrap forthis Baseball Classics
(10:46):
Diamondcast.
In the next episode we're goingto cover the Philadelphia
Phillies and what happened in2024 and again a look ahead to
the 2025 season.
So thanks again for tuning in.
We'll see you next time on theBaseball Classics Diamond Cask
right here.
Until then, hope you have agreat day.
So long, everybody.
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