Injuries Disrupt Breakout Campaigns
The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2025 season with high expectations for their talented young core, but injuries derailed the progress of several key players.
Touted prospect Heston Kjerstad was supposed to break out this year, but instead dealt with an undisclosed medical condition that severely impacted his performance. Orioles president Mike Elias acknowledged the team "missed the real Heston Kjerstad" and is hopeful he can bounce back in 2026.
All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman also struggled with injuries, missing significant time due to oblique strains. Despite the setbacks, the organization remains confident in Rutschman's ability to lead the team's resurgence, with Elias stating "Adley's the guy" they expect to rebound next season.
Pitching Depth Tested by Injuries
The Orioles' pitching staff was also hit hard by injuries in 2025. Starters Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells returned from injury, while top prospect Grayson Rodriguez dealt with his own health issues.
Reliever Albert Suárez, a key contributor in 2024, made only five appearances this past season due to shoulder and elbow problems. However, Suárez recently received positive news on a forearm strain, providing optimism for his recovery.
Promising Debuts and Extensions
Despite the adversity, the Orioles did see some bright spots emerge. Catcher Samuel Basallo made his MLB debut and earned a contract extension after another dominant minor league campaign. Outfielder Dylan Beavers also impressed, leading to speculation that the Orioles could look to lock him up long-term.
TL;DR
- Top prospects Heston Kjerstad and Adley Rutschman faced injury setbacks, disrupting their expected breakout seasons
- The Orioles' pitching depth was tested, with several starters and relievers missing significant time due to injuries
- Catcher Samuel Basallo debuted and earned an extension, while outfielder Dylan Beavers emerged as a potential long-term piece