The Baltimore Orioles are set to experience notable roster changes as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season, with several players from their 2024 lineup confirmed not to return.
Eloy Jiménez
Acquired during the 2024 season, outfielder Eloy Jiménez struggled to find consistency with the Orioles. Despite a career batting line of .269/.318/.462, injuries have limited his availability, averaging just 89 games per season over six years. In 2024, after initial struggles with the Chicago White Sox, Jiménez was traded to Baltimore, where he had a brief resurgence before being optioned to the minors due to declining performance. With a $16.5 million team option for 2025, the Orioles are unlikely to retain him, especially given their depth of talent in the minors that can potentially replace his production at a lower cost.
Seranthony Domínguez
Relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez joined the Orioles at the trade deadline and assumed the closer role due to a lack of alternatives. While he showcased a nearly 30% strikeout rate, his overall performance was inconsistent, culminating in a 4.45 ERA for the season and a 5.33 FIP during his tenure with Baltimore. Facing an $8 million club option for 2025, the Orioles are expected to decline, opting instead for a $500,000 buyout, given Domínguez’s limited success over the past five seasons.
Corbin Burnes
Starting pitcher Corbin Burnes delivered a strong performance in 2024, finishing with a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings and playing a pivotal role in the Orioles’ rotation. Despite his contributions, Burnes is anticipated to command a substantial contract in free agency. Considering the Orioles’ historical reluctance to engage in high-priced bidding wars, it is unlikely they will meet the financial demands required to retain Burnes for the 2025 season.
These departures signal a period of transition for the Orioles as they strategize to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. The front office will need to address these vacancies, potentially by promoting emerging talent from their farm system or seeking cost-effective acquisitions in the free-agent market. The offseason decisions will be crucial in shaping the team’s prospects for 2025, as they aim to build upon their recent successes and address the shortcomings that led to their early playoff exit.
