Role players can push a team over the top, but the Orioles need players like Corbin Burnes, Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman to lead the charge.
The MLB season is a grind. Players navigate highs, lows and injuries over the course of 162 games. The best of the best experience struggles, and the unlikeliest of candidates can catch fire.
Corbin Burnes earned the starting nod for the American League All-Star team before floundering in August. Ramón Urías fought to make the team before carrying it at the plate last month. It takes more than 26 players to make the playoffs, but the stars need to shine under the bright lights.
Gunnar Henderson looks up to the task. After slumping last month, Henderson slashed .406/.474/.750 over the first eight games in September. He entered yesterday with three homers, a pair of doubles and seven RBIs despite spending time in the leadoff spot.
Defensive miscues and emotional outcries at the plate have left some wondering if the 23-year-old has been trying too hard, but his impressive stretch to start September speaks volumes. Henderson starred in the playoffs last season going 6-for-12 with a homer in the ALDS.
Unfortunately, Henderson’s draft mate Adley Rutschman has yet to match the shortstop’s production. Rutschman’s second half struggles have been well documented. He entered last night’s game slashing .204/.286/.299 since the All-Star break, and the backstop has only three homers since the end of June.
The former first-overall pick is currently entrenched in the worst slump of his career. His offensive woes have generated injury speculation, but Rutschman and the Orioles refuse to reveal any health concerns.
The franchise turned a corner when Rutschman reached the big leagues in 2022. It’s difficult to watch one of the club’s franchise players struggle for a prolonged stretch, and there’s no way of knowing what Rutschman could be dealing with, but the Orioles need their leader back at full strength.
Brandon Hyde dropped Rutschman from the two-hole against Boston, and the switch-hitter responded. Rutschman smacked his first extra-base hit in 12 games on Monday and came through with a two-run single last night.
Baltimore’s offense has struggled without Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg and Urías, but all three could return by the end of the month. New arrivals Eloy Jiménez and Austin Slater have had their moments, and James McCann is no stranger to a clutch hit, but a locked in Rutschman would be a true difference maker in October.
The Orioles acquired Burnes to anchor the rotation and win games in the postseason. He delivered a quality start his last time out against the Rays and held Chicago to one run over five innings last week.
The free-agent-to-be could make himself a lot of money this October, but he must perform when it matters most. It’s extremely plausible that Burnes wears a different uniform next season, so the Orioles need the rental to justify the transaction this fall.
Speaking of cashing in during a contract year, Anthony Santander tallied his 40th homer earlier this week. Santander dodged trade rumors for years while establishing himself as one of the best switch-hitters in baseball. The Orioles have relied on the home run all season, and Santander represents the most likely candidate to go yard on any given night.
Santander finally made it to an All-Star game this season. And while the Orioles need their stars to carry them in the playoffs, the postseason provides an opportunity for new players to take center stage.
Yennier Cano was named an All Star during his rookie campaign in 2023. The 30-year-old has not received the same buzz this season, but his 2.67 ERA stands out next to a struggling bunch of relievers. Seranthony Domínguez quickly replaced Craig Kimbrel as the closer, but the Birds need Cano to generate grounders and strike a pose during any close game.
Zach Eflin has been phenomenal since arriving at the end of July. The veteran could enter an upper-tier of starting pitchers if his dominant stretch continues into the postseason. A healthy Grayson Rodriguez could breakout on the national stage as well.
Baltimore’s roster is filled with players that could get hot for a month. Cedric Mullins hit a pair of homers last night. Ryan O’Hearn always hits the ball hard, and Colton Cowser has the talent for a Jeremy Peña type of run.
The Orioles need plenty to go right for a division title and a deep playoff run. The roster is filled with potential contributors, but it must start at the top.