Orioles: Player Survey, Manager Search, Elias on What Went Wrong

The Baltimore Orioles are turning the page on a disappointing 2025 campaign. President of baseball operations Mike Elias shared insights into what went wrong and how the team hopes to rebound in 2026.

From injuries and failed roster moves to pitching depth issues, Elias gave a pretty honest look at the franchise’s current state. He still emphasized the team’s long-term goals, even as he talked about player development challenges, key trades, and a few standout performances.

Breaking Down Baltimore’s 2025 Struggles

Mike Elias didn’t try to gloss over the Orioles’ season. He admitted that a mix of injuries, organizational missteps, and just plain bad luck crushed their postseason hopes.

This isn’t the first time Baltimore has faced adversity, but Elias’s candor suggests they’re serious about learning from their mistakes. He pointed to roster decisions that didn’t work out and stressed how important it is to adapt as the league keeps changing.

The Pitching Puzzle

One big question heading into the offseason is the Orioles’ struggle to lock down long-term free agent pitching deals. In 2025, they only signed veterans Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, and both got one-year contracts.

Elias said they’ve made multi-year offers before, but ownership stability might be the missing piece for future commitments. The goal is obvious: find top-tier pitchers who can anchor a rotation built to compete for the AL East title in 2026.

Roster Management and Player Development

Elias also talked about the challenges of moving prospects up to the big leagues. Young talent brings energy, but figuring out their playing time is a tricky balancing act.

The situation with Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo shows how hard it is to give both players opportunities without hurting team chemistry or depth.

Impact Trades and Breakouts

Elias touched on the six-player trade with the Padres and the Bryan Baker deal with the Rays. These moves show Baltimore’s effort to adjust the roster quickly when injuries or mid-season slumps hit.

One bright spot: Ryan O’Hearn’s breakout year. He gave fans something to root for, even as the team struggled.

The Search for Leadership

The managerial seat is open, and Baltimore’s front office is actively looking at candidates—not just rising stars. The market has several veteran managers, and local media claims the Orioles are still an attractive destination.

Stability and a clear vision for competing will be key in convincing the right manager to take the job.

Player Perspectives on Leadership

Leadership kept coming up in Elias’s comments. Players emphasized the need for strong clubhouse communication and a manager who can blend analytics with old-school instincts.

This mix could make a real difference for a roster that combines young prospects with experienced vets.

Bright Spots Amid the Challenges

Not everything went wrong in 2025. The rise of Jeremiah Jackson gave fans a peek at what’s possible down the road.

Some historical Orioles moments also got some attention, reminding everyone of the franchise’s deep roots in baseball. That kind of tradition helps keep Baltimore’s identity strong, even when the wins don’t come easily.

Looking Toward 2026

Elias keeps repeating one point — the Orioles aren’t standing still. This offseason feels pretty crucial, honestly.

• They want to lock in multi-year deals for high-caliber pitchers.
• Finding a proven manager who can actually bring the team together is on the list, too.
• They’ve got to figure out how to give young stars enough playing time without messing up their development.
• And sure, they’ll need to use trades and free agency to balance out the roster.

Baltimore fans are in for a tense few months. There’s anticipation in the air, and a ton of hope that the lessons from 2025 might finally spark a real push for the AL East title in 2026.

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