2025 was our 10th season covering the Orioles here at BaltimoreBaseball.com, and while we’ve never been big on self-promotion, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the milestone. Fortunately for us, the Orioles’ disappointment on the field didn’t translate into reduced readership. Thanks to all of you — our loyal readers, newsletter subscribers and app downloaders — we saw more than 3.1 million pageviews this year, a record for the site. Your continued support means the world to us, and we look forward to bigger and better things with our 2026 coverage of the current Orioles from Rich Dubroff, Jack Gibbons and Peter Schmuck and their history via John Eisenberg’s ‘The Bird Tapes.’ Thanks for sticking with us all these years.
As a way to recap the Orioles’ 2025 season and celebrate our record-breaking year, I wanted to revisit some of the pieces that resonated most with our readers. Here are 10 of the most-read stories of 2025 here at BaltimoreBaseball.com:
1.) Mullins’ Orioles career will be remembered warmly
By Rich Dubroff
It’s fitting that our most-read piece in our 10th season would center on Cedric Mullins, the only remaining 2025 Oriole who was in the organization before our first season of coverage in 2016. Rich Dubroff looked back at Mullins’ memorable career in Baltimore, from his 30-30 season to his spectacular catches in center field. READ IT HERE.
2.) Turns out, Orioles EVP/GM Mike Elias has a bigger blueprint than just 2026
By Peter Schmuck
The trade deadline was a busy time for the Orioles and just as busy for our writers. Peter Schmuck didn’t expect Mike Elias to deal players who weren’t pending free agents, but his plan became more clear after the July 31st deadline passed. READ IT HERE.
3.) Calling the Pen: Orioles dropped the ball initially on Rutschman
By Jack Gibbons
On May 25th against Boston, catcher Adley Rutschman took a Rafael Devers’ foul tip directly to his mask and appeared to be shaken up. He initially stayed in the game, and Jack Gibbons questioned how the Orioles handled the situation. READ IT HERE.
4.) Mountcastle on his Orioles’ career: ‘I’ve loved my time here’
By Rich Dubroff
As the season concluded, Rich Dubroff looked at another longtime Oriole, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, at a time when his future with the club seemed dubious. Mountcastle has since been tendered a 2026 contract but could still be traded before the season. READ IT HERE.
5.) Do the Orioles need their heads examined or what?
By Peter Schmuck
On April 25th, Peter Schmuck examined the experience and confidence issues that led to slow starts for young Oriole hitters Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg and Heston Kjerstad. READ IT HERE.
6.) Orioles’ managerial position will be coveted
By Rich Dubroff
Rich Dubroff outlined the case for Tony Mansolino to remain Orioles’ manager in 2026 and some potential options from outside the organization. Craig Albernaz, who was not a rumored candidate, was hired on October 27th. READ IT HERE.
7.) Orioles will have to weather some fan discontent over new ticket policy
By Peter Schmuck
The Orioles’ decision to eliminate longstanding 13-game and 29-game ticket plans while increasing prices and changing season-ticket benefits didn’t sit well with many fans. Peter Schmuck offered his take on the issue and the timing of the announcement. READ IT HERE.
8.) Calling the Pen: It’s time for Orioles owner David Rubenstein to assert himself
By Jack Gibbons
Perhaps the most eventful occurrence for the Orioles in 2025 was the firing of manager Brandon Hyde on May 17th. Just two days earlier, Jack Gibbons called for Orioles owner David Rubenstein to consider changes given the team’s 15-27 start and 57-73 stretch dating back to 2024. READ IT HERE.
9.) For Orioles’ Bautista, it may be 2023 all over again
By Rich Dubroff
Felix Bautista was looking like his old self on June 21st when Rich Dubroff wrote about his recent dominance — nine straight scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and three walks with 15 strikeouts. Bautista would pitch for another month before landing on the injured list on July 24th and having arm surgery that’s expected to sideline him for most of 2026. READ IT HERE.
10.) The Orioles’ First Black Player
By John Eisenberg
John Eisenberg tells the story of Jehosie Heard, a diminutive left-handed pitcher who made the 1954 roster out of spring training and became the first Black player to appear in a game for the Orioles when he pitched in relief against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park. READ IT HERE.