Yes, the trade deadline has long come and gone and while on the surface you can say that the Baltimore Orioles are playing better, this organization still has way too many questions to be answered to be contenders again (“Orioles reset: Baltimore sets a club record in 2025. It’s not a good one.” Aug. 25).
The Orioles lack veteran leaders and unless general manager Mike Elias in the offseason finds them a couple, this team will again rely on their youth. Outside of Gunnar Henderson tell me one player who can stay on the field healthy enough to play and can consistently contribute. Jackson Holliday has slumped badly and looks lost. Colton Cowser, despite his recent hitting barrage, is average — at best. Coby Mayo is completely over his head despite the Orioles’ belief that he can develop.
Do you realize what this off-season will look like? They need almost an entire relief pitching staff. They need at least two more outfielders and, depending on the health of the starting pitchers, will need at least two more of those. Everybody is excited about Samuel Basallo, and they should be, but this off-season is a monumental task for Elias, and I doubt he has what it takes to make 2026 any better.
— Bob Lancione, Towson
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