Baltimore Orioles Eliminated from AL Wild Card

The Baltimore Orioles' 2024 season was marked by a promising start but a disappointing finish, culminating in a swift exit from the postseason after being swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Round. Despite injuries and a subpar second half that saw them finish with a 91-71 record, the team achieved a milestone by making the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in 50 years. Manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the mixed success of the season, citing the significant drop in offensive performance and injuries as key factors in their playoff losses, where they managed only one run across two games. The team's future is uncertain as they face potential free agency losses of star players Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, which could severely impact their pitching rotation and lineup. This offseason presents challenges, as the organization must navigate both the disappointment of the postseason and the strategic decisions necessary to maintain competitiveness in 2025. Overall, the season ended on a note of disillusionment, leaving many questions about the direction of the team moving forward.