The Anti-Dodgers: Why the Orioles’ New Plan Isn’t Working

The Baltimore Orioles, who have been an exciting team in recent memory, currently have a 15-31 record, which is dead last in the AL East. The Orioles came into this year with a strategy to be the anti-Dodgers. So far, that idea has not worked out. Here, I will break down what they hoped to do, and why it’s not working. 

*Stats are as of 5/20/25

Mike Elias hoped that the Orioles could be the opposite of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He thought that he could build a winning ball club without spending a ton of money. The team has tried to recruit young talent on cheap deals, while keeping the payroll low. They have tried to rely on a few veterans to lead the way without spending too much money. After winning the division with 101 wins in 2023, they were swept in the first round by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS.  Then, they earned a Wild Card playoff berth last season with a 91-71 season. However, they would end up falling to the Royals in the AL Wild Card Series. Despite 2 solid seasons, the playoffs have been a massive disappointment for fans in Baltimore. 

Still, Orioles fans hoped they could get back to the postseason, and potentially advance if they get there. 

The Orioles have the 15th highest payroll in the league, with them being just over $162,000,000. Elias thought that he would be able to hold onto his young talent, such as Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holiday, on per-arbitration deals, all coming in at under 1 million a year. Zach Eflin, a 32 year old starting pitcher, is their highest paid player, making 18 million dollars a year. After starting the season 15-28, the Orioles decided to fire their manager, Brandon Hyde. Hyde was in the midst of his 7th season as the Orioles manager. The Orioles then appointed their 3rd base coach since 2021, Tony Mansolino as their interim manager. Mansolino is still searching for his 1st win as the Orioles skipper, as he lost the first 2 games against the Nationals, And dropped the first game of the series in Milwaukee. 

Only 2 MLB ever have made the playoffs after a 15-30 start. The Boston Braves started 15-30 in 1914, but were able to overcome that, and sweep the Philadelphia Athletics in the World Series. The Houston Astros also started the 2005 season with a 15-30 record, but rebounded and made a Wild Card appearance. However, no MLB squad has ever made the playoffs after a 15-31 start to the season. As of May 20th, the Orioles have lost 7 in a row, and have tons of issues throughout the ball club. Baltimore pitchers have given up the most home runs in the MLB (72) and have the second worst ERA (5.53) in all of baseball. Their offense hasn’t been much better either. They have the 5th worst batting average (.230), and are in the bottom 5 for on-base percentage (.298). Ryan O’Hearn leads the team in batting average, but isn’t able to even reach .300. Also, nobody on their squad has even been able to average 1 RBI per game. In fact, no player has even been close, as none of their players are even averaging 0.7 RBIs per game. 

The Orioles have tried out a new approach of spending this season, and it hasn’t paid off so far. I doubt that they will be able to rebound from this horrendous start, as I think they will end the season with a 78-84 record, which will land them in 3rd place in the AL East. I don’t think they will be a postseason team this year, and I believe that Mike Elias will be fired after this season is over.