The Orioles' 2025 power outage: A tale of ups and downs
In the era of Buck Showalter's Orioles, Baltimore's offense was a force to be reckoned with. From 2013 to 2016, the Orioles dominated the American League with their home run prowess, consistently leading the league in long balls. The Birdland Power Company, as they were affectionately known, lit up the Baltimore skyline with an incredible display of power hitting.
The Mike Elias-led Orioles aimed to continue this legacy, building a lineup packed with sluggers. Their peak came in 2024, with an impressive 233 home runs, second only to the league leaders. Anthony Santander and Gunnar Henderson were the stars, with Santander smashing 44 home runs and Henderson setting a new record with 37.
But then, in 2025, something went awry. The Orioles' power dried up, and they dropped to 11th in the league for home runs. No player managed more than 17 long balls, a stark contrast to the previous season's success. While pitching has often been cited as the Orioles' weakness, their power outage played a significant role in their downturn last year.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, the Orioles are determined to address this power deficit and aim for a better year. The relative youth of the team makes it difficult to determine whether 2024 or 2025 was the anomaly, but the drastic drop in slugging percentage from .435 to .394 is certainly unusual and warrants further investigation.
Injuries played a pivotal role in the Orioles' offensive struggles. Tyler O'Neill, a big offseason signing, became the poster child for the team's injury woes. Signed as a cost-effective replacement for the departing Santander, O'Neill spent more time on the injured list (97 days) than he did on the field, and his home run output paled in comparison to Santander's 2024 season. The swap didn't pay off as hoped.
The injury bug didn't spare other key players either. Adley Rutschman, limited to just 90 games due to oblique injuries, saw his home run production drop from 19 to 9, and his slugging percentage took a hit. Colton Cowser, plagued by a broken finger and a concussion, regressed from 24 to 16 home runs. Ryan Mountcastle, another injury victim, saw his power numbers dip, with his home runs dropping from 13 to 7 and his slugging percentage taking a significant dive.
The Orioles' offense took a further hit when they traded away Ryan O'Hearn and Ramón Laureano, who were leading the team in slugging percentage, along with Cedric Mullins and Ramón Urías at the Trade Deadline. However, the writing was on the wall even before July, as the offense was already showing signs of regression.
One player whose performance took a notable turn was shortstop Gunnar Henderson. The 2024 season saw Henderson put up incredible numbers, breaking Cal Ripken's single-season home run record for shortstops. But in 2025, he struggled to replicate that success. Key metrics associated with power hitting, such as exit velocity and hard-hit rate, remained consistent, but his barrel rate and launch-angle metrics took a turn for the worse, resulting in a drop in his expected slugging percentage.
Henderson's struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors. Missing most of Spring Training and the start of the regular season due to an intercostal injury, he seemed to be playing catch-up throughout the season. It wasn't until June that he began to show his true form, but by then, the Orioles' season was already in a downward spiral.
The fire sale at the Trade Deadline further impacted Henderson's performance. His slugging percentage dipped from .464 in July to .387 over the final two months. Whether it was a result of trying too hard to carry the team or a lack of motivation due to the team's poor performance, Henderson's 2025 season left much to be desired.
Despite the challenges, there's reason to believe Henderson can rebound to his 2024 form in 2026. To do so, he'll need to improve his approach against breaking balls, which he struggled with this past season. If he can regain his timing and confidence against these pitches, a return to his 30+ home run form is certainly within reach.
While a healthier team and a Henderson resurgence are expected, the front office isn't leaving anything to chance. The addition of Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso, who combined for 74 home runs last year, is a clear indication of their commitment to rebuilding a potent lineup. With these offensive additions, the Orioles aim to address their power problem and ensure a more competitive 2026 season. The question remains: Can the Orioles regain their power-hitting prowess and make a strong comeback?
