The 2024 spring training period has officially come to an end, which means regular season baseball is just a few days away.
There’s a lot of excitement when it comes to the 2024 Baltimore Orioles, who are coming off a season in which they won 101 games, clinched an AL East Title and surprised the entire baseball world with their play.
The organization is as healthy as it’s ever been, with the big league team in tact, alongside the concensus No. 1 farm system in the sport. It’s going to be another fun season in Charm City.
Our crew has accumulated their 2024 season predictions in three categories: Best pitcher, Most Valuable Oriole and overall team record. Each member of our staff will give their prediction for each category and explain why they chose what they did.
Without further ado, let’s get started with who our staff thinks will be the best pitcher on the O’s staff this season.
2024 BEST OVERALL PITCHER
Stephen Heckman: Kyle Bradish
Continued growth from the previous two seasons is what’s to be expected. Surrounded by Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez will have Bradish overlooked, and it wasn’t until the end of the season that most people realized just how dominating he truly was. Once he returns from his injury, he will prove why he’s a true Cy Young contender.
Justin Sutphin: Corbin Burnes
You have to go with Corbin Burnes. If Bradish starts healthy, I think this is a tougher choice. Burnes is a true ace to the definition, and now paired with a backstop like Adley, I think another Cy Young is the goal for No. 39. On top of that, Burnes brings a strikeout prowess to the rotation that hasn’t existed before, maybe outside of second-half Grayson last year. The power and tone Burnes sets at the top of the rotation will not only win a lot of ball games but will benefit the other arms behind him in the rotation as well.
Jason Benowitz: Corbin Burnes
I mean, I’m not going to bet against Corbin Burnes. Being in a contract year and being on one of the most exciting teams in baseball, Burnes is due to absolutely shove. Dare I say that he’s on Cy Young watch?
Zack Bucklew: Corbin Burnes
Burnes is an automatic Cy Young favorite with his amazing offspeed repertoire and plus control. Waltimore will help lower his home run totals from last season. Plus, on a contract year, Burnes is going to go out there and show his true value on the mound.
Celeste Radogno: Corbin Burnes
I think this could still be up for debate. How Means and Bradish come back from injury will determine how Burnes does, relatively. People will be looking for him to be in true ace form, and despite some rocky innings in spring training, I’m sure he will be able to pull it off. My only question mark with him is how his success will translate into the AL East. Also, I think Irvin will have a huge year.
RJ Diliberto: Corbin Burnes
Is it the most boring possible answer? Yes, but it’s boring for a reason. Burnes, who’s already won a Cy Young in his career, was brought to Baltimore in an offseason blockbuster trade. With Bradish sidelined for the foreseeable future and Rodriguez likely to still work around some growing pains, a special season could be in store for Burnes.
2024 MOST VALUABLE ORIOLE
Stephen Heckman: Adley Rutschman
I know, popular pick here. But his undeniable leadership, vibe and all-around good nature is integral to the success of the Birds. From making sure the pitchers are prepared every game to keeping the infield in check, he leads by example. It’s easy to follow someone who exudes the confidence and loyalty that he displays not only to the team but to Charm City and Birdland fans.
Justin Sutphin: Adley Rutschman
Obvious answer, but I have to go with Adley. He is the heart and soul of the team, as well as the captain to the pitching staff’s ship. The pitching staff that will start without Kyle Bradish, John Means or Felix Bautista, which could be a little scary. How Adley handles that staff, which will see a lot of movement once Bradish and Means are healthy, will be far more important to the success of the 2024 Orioles than any counting stat.
Jason Benowitz: Adley Rutschman
Adley. Even if it’s not Adley, it’s Adley. An anchor of a catcher with elite defense and insane pop is like finding a unicorn in the wild. I’ve been on the ‘extend Adley train,’ and this season will just give us so many more reasons why he should be around for years to come.
Zack Bucklew: Austin Hays
Between the mix of offense he brings and his impeccable defense in front of Waltimore, Hays is due for a true breakout campaign. As long as he stays healthy consistently, we’re finally going to see a full season of what Hays can bring to the table.
Celeste Radogno: Gunnar Henderson
I think Gunnar will be continuing to ride the high of his Rookie of the Year honors from last season and carry that energy into this season. The additional confidence will be a huge boost to his performance. Plus, pressure on him will be a bit less since his spot on the roster is established, and the eyes will be on this year’s prospects. He just needs to keep doing what he does best. All of these factors together signal another great year.
RJ Diliberto: Gunnar Henderson
Even after a slow start in 2023, Henderson still comfortably won AL Rookie of the Year. I think even bigger things could be in store for the O’s star shortstop this season, so don’t be surprised if he’s not just the Orioles’ MVP but also the AL MVP.
2024 ORIOLES RECORD
Stephen Heckman: 100-62
The Orioles will not have the advantage to sneak up on anyone this season. There will be some regression, not due to the team getting worse, but because the AL East has improved, as have other teams around the league. While I still see the Orioles winning the division, I think they hit the century mark in the process.
Justin Sutphin: 98-64
To look at last year, the lineup is only going to get better with experience and additions of players like Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo at some point. Ryan Mountcastle and Anthony Santander will be among the AL leaders in power. On the pitching side, I think the acquisition of Corbin Burnes helps balance out the loss of Félix Bautista. All in all, it’s going to be another great year in Charm City.
Jason Benowitz: 97-65
This is by no means regression. If anything, this is me believing in the absolute juggernaut that is a fully healthy AL East. I believe this still wins the division, but I will blame the division’s strength on the four less wins than 2023.
Zack Bucklew: 97-65
I think the Orioles regress a little in record because back-to-back 100-win seasons are extremely difficult to accomplish. However, I still see the Birds winning a solid 97 games, easing their way into the postseason for the second straight year.
Celeste Radogno: 99-63
I kind of picked random numbers for the season record. I don’t think it will be significantly different than last year. I absolutely think the Orioles will finish first in the AL East again, but the record may not be over 100, as the Jays and Yankees have also made improvements to their rosters. I don’t think the Orioles will win less than 90 games and could win well over 100. It’s going to be a good year, regardless.
RJ Diliberto: 92-70
While it’s a nine-win regression from 2023, I don’t think it’s because the Orioles got worse. With the AL East set to be much tougher this season, I think there’s a small step back for the O’s in the stat sheet. However, they should be much better equipped for October with a bolstered rotation.
What do you think of our staff’s predictions for the Orioles 2024 season? What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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