If you’re checking the standings right now in mid-January, things look pretty static. As of today, January 16, 2026, the official baltimore orioles record is 0-0. That’s because we are deep in the heart of the "hot stove" season, about a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Sarasota. But don't let that clean slate fool you into thinking nothing is happening.
The real story isn't the empty 2026 win-loss column; it’s the 75-87 record the O's just dragged home from the 2025 season.
Honestly, it was a gut punch. After the highs of 2023 and 2024, finishing 5th in the AL East felt like a glitch in the Matrix. But if you look at the moves David Rubenstein and Mike Elias are making this winter, that losing record might have been the wake-up call the front office needed to stop playing it safe.
Breaking Down the 2025 Baltimore Orioles Record
Let’s be real: last year was a mess. The Orioles finished 19 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, both of whom notched 94 wins to share the division crown. Baltimore’s .463 winning percentage was their lowest in the "competitive window" era.
What went wrong? Basically, everything that could go sideways did.
The offense, which looked like a juggernaut on paper, fell to 11th in the American League in runs scored. We saw regression from key names. Adley Rutschman struggled to a .220 average with just 9 homers in 90 games. Jackson Holliday and Gunnar Henderson both hit 17 home runs, but the consistency just wasn't there across the lineup.
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The pitching didn't bail them out either. The team ERA ballooned to 4.60, ranking them 25th in the league. It's hard to win games when your starters are sporting a collective "gasoline on fire" vibe.
2025 Final Standings (AL East)
- Toronto Blue Jays: 94-68
- New York Yankees: 94-68
- Boston Red Sox: 89-73
- Tampa Bay Rays: 77-85
- Baltimore Orioles: 75-87
It’s worth noting that the O's were actually decent at home (39-42) compared to some of their darker years, but they were consistently bullied by divisional rivals. They went 4-9 against the Yankees and 5-8 against the Red Sox. You can't make the playoffs if you're a doormat for the AL East.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
If you're an O's fan, the 75-87 baltimore orioles record from last year is officially in the rearview mirror. The vibe in the warehouse right now is aggressive.
The biggest splash? Signing Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal. That is not an "old Orioles" move. That is a "we are tired of losing" move. They also brought in Taylor Ward and Ryan Helsley to stabilize the clubhouse and the back end of the bullpen.
Then there’s the rotation. They traded for Shane Baz, re-signed Zach Eflin to a $10 million "prove-it" deal, and today there are credible reports from Ken Rosenthal that they are chasing 43-year-old legend Justin Verlander.
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Verlander is a fallback, sure, but the fact that they’re even in the conversation for high-ceiling arms shows the 2025 failure changed the internal math. They know a rotation of Dean Kremer and Trevor Rogers isn't enough to survive the AL East gauntlet.
The Young Core: Rebound or Bust?
- Jackson Holliday: He’s 21 now. Last year's .242 average was a learning experience, but the 17 homers show the power is real.
- Coby Mayo: He hit 11 homers in limited action (85 games). If he starts 150 games at first or DH, that number could triple.
- Samuel Basallo: The hype is massive. He’s already being talked about as a cornerstone for the next decade.
Understanding the "Record" Beyond the Wins
We tend to obsess over the final tally, but the 2025 baltimore orioles record also tells a story of "bad luck." Their Pythagorean win-loss—a stat that predicts record based on runs scored vs. runs allowed—suggested they should have been a 70-92 team.
In a weird way, they actually overperformed their terrible run differential.
They allowed 788 runs while only scoring 677. That -111 differential is usually reserved for teams losing 100 games. The fact that they scraped together 75 wins is actually a testament to the bullpen (before it fell apart) and some timely hitting in June and July.
Looking Toward Opening Day 2026
The Orioles open the 2026 season on March 26th at Camden Yards against the Minnesota Twins. Between now and then, the "record" is really about the payroll. Currently, RosterResource projects the 2026 payroll at $149 million.
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That’s a significant jump from the "scrappy rebuild" years. The new ownership under David Rubenstein is clearly willing to write checks that the previous regime wouldn't.
If you want to track the baltimore orioles record as it evolves this spring, keep an eye on the Grapefruit League standings starting in late February. Last year, they went 13-14 in Spring Training, which—in hindsight—was a pretty accurate omen for the mediocrity that followed.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following the team this winter, don’t just look at the win-loss history. Watch the 40-man roster churn. The O's recently claimed José Suarez and DFA'ed Marco Luciano, showing they are prioritizing immediate pitching depth over "lottery ticket" hitting prospects.
To stay ahead of the curve:
- Monitor the International Market: The Orioles just opened their 2026 international signing period by adding 10 players, including top shortstop prospect Jose Luis Acevedo. This is how they sustain the "record" long-term.
- Watch the Injury Reports: Guys like Kyle Bradish are the linchpins. If the rotation stays healthy, that 75-87 record will look like a fluke by June.
- Check the Broadcast Schedule: MASN just announced they’ll air 20 Spring Training games this year. That’s a record for the network and a great way to see if the new additions like Pete Alonso are clicking before the games actually count.
The 2025 season was a failure, plain and simple. But in the world of baseball, sometimes a 75-87 baltimore orioles record is the catalyst for a 95-win masterpiece the following year.