MLB insider drops no-holds-barred thoughts on Orioles’ subtraction and development focus

On Tuesday, MLB insiders Matt Vasgersian and Yonder Alonso talked about the Baltimore Orioles and how their lineup is shaping up for the new season.

Although the Orioles have had some solid additions such as right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton and outfielder Tyler O'Neill, they have also lost important players to free agency like 2021 NL Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes and right fielder Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs last season.

"(The Baltimore Orioles have gone through) a season that's been defined more by subtraction than it has addition," Vasgersian said, via the MLB Network. "Corbin Burnes is gone, Anthony Santander is gone. Yeah, they bring in Charlie Morton, nice add there, Tyler O'Neill happened early in the offseason.

The rest of the guys [they have brought in] are role players. The great couple years that the Orioles have had might be ancient history, if they don't make some more iterations to this lineup. This is not what it was last year, man!"

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MLB analyst optimistic that Orioles youngsters can pick up the mantle in what may prove be a 'coming of age' season

In the same clip, former first baseman Yonder Alonso discussed how Baltimore's goal is to perhaps give the formidable young talent in their ranks more responsibility next season, with the departure of Anthony Santander at right field.

"It's all about handing the keys to the young guys like they've done in the past, and let's see what they've got," Alonso said. "Can these guys take that next leap? That's what they're counting on. They're counting on those guys, kind of saying, 'OK, now it's your turn to level up your game.'"

Colton Cowser (L) and Gunnar Henderson (R) - Source: Getty

Young talent is one department that the O's have no problem with, as the likes of Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday and Adley Rutschman all had solid 2024 seasons, and should get even better as they gain more experience at the highest level.

With Santander having signed a five-year $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, O's fans will be hoping their youngsters can take that next step and make up for the Venezuelan's absence.