Today’s the day for the Baltimore Orioles; Ooening Day! North of the border and on the road to be sure, but it’s still Opening Day. The Birds will take on the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon and this weekend.
What does 2025 hold for the Birds? Tough to say. They and New York were light years ahead of the rest of the division last year. It’s fair to say that Boston and Toronto appear to be in better shape. Are the Orioles and New York in worse shape? Tough to say. At best they’re the same.
The key for the Orioles this year is pitching. Signing Kyle Gibson was a smart move. Also Charlie Morton. They provide a veteran presence. That is until the likes of Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, and maybe Tyler Wells are ready.
Don’t discount the bullpen. The Orioles are getting Félix Bautista back to start the year. Keep in mind all those blown saves last year – odds are that’s over and done.
Obviously the mystery burns as to when Gunnar Henderson comes back from the injured list. I suspect it’ll be sooner rather than later. If it’s a week, no blood no foul. Longer than that…tough to say.
Injuries haunted this team last year. So maybe it’s good that they’re getting them out of the way early. That’s the hope at least.
So what does the future hold after today for the 2025 Orioles? Ha! I’m no prophet. I’d put the chances of them being in the postseason at about 90%. Last year they had bad luck with injuries. If that repeats…needless to say it’ll play a role. But the Orioles will be a force in 2025. That much I’m confident to say.
Today, on Opening Day, the O’s take on Toronto at Rogers Centre. Zach Eflin gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Jose Berrios. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.
Birdland Crush 