What do Orioles need to avoid a 3rd straight losing season in 2027? | MAILBAG

Question: Now that the Orioles completed another season, what should we do with another second-to-last-place season? Ugh.Regards. From: Connie Z. Harrisburg, PA

Answer: Connie, I think the Orioles need help in several areas to contend in 2027. Assuming Trevor Rogers and Chris Bassitt are gone, they’ll need another starter or two. They might audition Luis De Léon, Trey Gibson and Cade Povich from within, but I think they’ll need to sign or trade for a starting pitcher.

With the health issuues of Félix Bautista and Ryan Helsley, they’ll need to find another pitcher who can possibly close. Some of the bullpen arms they found late in the season need to be augmented with another experienced arm or two.

They desperately need more production from the outfield. Other than Enrique Bradfield Jr., they don’t have any major league-ready outfielders in the high minors. They’ll need to sign or trade for two or three outfielders.

A reliable backup catcher would also be a wise investment.

Question: Don’t you believe it’s time the Orioles embrace their St. Louis Browns heritage? For example, Ken Williams is MLB’s first 30/ 30 player. I understand Baltimore wanted to start fresh in 1954, but it’s been 72 years. If the Orioles aren’t established now, they never will be. From: Craig Askins 

Answer: Craig, I appreciate baseball history as much as anyone, but there are few people alive who watched the St. Louis Browns play.

In the seven years prior to the Browns moving to Baltimore, they lost between 94 and 102 games, and those were 154-game seasons.

Yes, Ken Williams was the major’s first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases, but that was in 1922.

To Oriole fans, history began in 1954, and few of today’s Orioles fans were alive then. To ask them to embrace the Browns is a huge stretch, one that no one really wants to do in Baltimore.

There is a St. Louis Browns fan club if you’re interested: thestlbrowns.com.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.