The Baltimore Orioles had a disappointing 2022 MLB regular season, finishing with a record of 83-79 and missing the playoffs. As of October 19, 2023, the Orioles are out of contention for the 2022 MLB playoffs.
2022 Baltimore Orioles Regular Season Recap
The Orioles entered the 2022 season with low expectations after losing 110 games in 2021. However, they surprised many by getting off to a hot start. Baltimore was 10 games over .500 at the end of April and remained in playoff contention through the summer months.
Some key factors in the Orioles’ improvement were the emergence of young players like catcher Adley Rutschman, improvements from veteran starters Jordan Lyles and Kyle Gibson, and the return of slugger Trey Mancini from cancer treatment.
However, the O’s eventually faded down the stretch. They went 10-18 in September to fall out of the Wild Card race. Some reasons for their late-season struggles included injuries to starting pitchers Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish and a tough schedule facing playoff contenders like Toronto, Tampa Bay, and New York.
Here is a summary of the Orioles’ final 2022 regular season record:
Record: | 83-79 |
Division Finish: | 4th in AL East |
Runs Scored: | 713 (10th in MLB) |
Runs Allowed: | 716 (18th in MLB) |
While 83 wins was a major improvement for the rebuilding O’s, it left them well short of a playoff berth. They finished 22 games behind the AL East champion New York Yankees and 9 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot.
2022 American League Playoff Picture
The 2022 American League playoff race came down to a wild final week. In the end, four teams clinched postseason spots:
AL East: New York Yankees
AL Central: Cleveland Guardians
AL West: Houston Astros
Top AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jays
The Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays were also in contention for the playoffs entering the final series. However, the Orioles were essentially eliminated from the race after their rough September.
Here is a look at the final 2022 AL playoff standings:
Division Leaders | Record |
New York Yankees | 105-57 |
Cleveland Guardians | 92-70 |
Houston Astros | 106-56 |
Wild Cards | Record |
Toronto Blue Jays | 92-70 |
The Orioles finished 9 games behind Toronto for the final playoff spot. Their 83-79 record was only good for 4th in a competitive AL East division.
Baltimore Orioles Outlook for 2023
While 2022 did not end in a playoff berth, the season should still be considered a step forward for Baltimore. Important young players like Rutschman, DL Hall, and Gunnar Henderson gained experience. The pitching staff also showed improvement, lowering the team’s ERA by nearly half a run.
In 2023, the Orioles will look to take another leap and get over the hump into playoff contention. Getting better production from young hitters like Rutschman, Henderson, and Cedric Mullins will be critical. Continued growth from the pitching staff is also needed.
Top prospects like Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Stowers, and Jordan Westburg could debut next season to inject more talent. The Orioles also have payroll flexibility and may be active in free agency.
Bringing in a few veterans – especially some power bats for the lineup – could complement the young core. The AL East will be tough again, but the Orioles appear to be trending upward towards the playoffs in the near future.
Offseason Needs
– Power hitters: The Orioles ranked in the bottom third of MLB in home runs in 2022. Adding some thunder to the middle of the order should be a priority.
– Starting pitcher depth: Behind ace John Means, the rotation remains an uncertainty. A veteran innings-eater could help stabilize things.
– Bullpen help: Baltimore’s relievers were middle of the pack statistically. Reinforcements around closer Felix Bautista could help lock down more wins.
Potential Offseason Targets
– Brandon Nimmo, OF: The free agent outfielder could provide on-base skills and lineup balance.
– Nathan Eovaldi, SP: The veteran righty has a connection to Baltimore and can still pitch effectively when healthy.
– Kenley Jansen, RP: Jansen would add a proven closer to take pressure off Bautista in the bullpen.
Conclusion
The 2022 season represented strong progress for the rebuilding Orioles. However, an 83-79 record left them well short of the playoffs in a competitive American League. Baltimore has not qualified for the postseason since 2016.
With young core players like Adley Rutschman improving and top prospects on the way, the Orioles appear poised to make a playoff push in 2023. Bringing in some strategic veterans this offseason could help get them over the hump. While out of it in 2022, Baltimore is a rising team to watch in the American League next season.