Orioles Rely on Adley Rutschman for a Strong Comeback
The Baltimore Orioles have made significant strides during the offseason, enhancing both their bullpen and offensive lineup. Notably, they signed Ryan Helsley as their closer and acquired former Los Angeles Angels slugger Taylor Ward in a trade involving Grayson Rodriguez. Additionally, the team made headlines by securing former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso with a five-year, $155 million contract. Together, Ward and Alonso contributed 74 home runs last season, a stark contrast to the Orioles' top home run hitter from last year, who managed only 17.
However, the team's playoff aspirations may hinge more on the resurgence of young talents like Adley Rutschman than on new acquisitions. Rutschman experienced a decline in performance over the past two seasons, with his OPS dropping from .809 in 2023 to .673 in 2025. Despite this downturn, he remains a crucial player for the Orioles. Analysts suggest that if Rutschman can regain his previous form, it could significantly bolster Baltimore's offensive capabilities alongside Alonso and Ward, making them a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
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