Orioles fans are approaching the 2025 season with a mix of cautious optimism and lingering doubts after an early postseason exit in 2024 and the departure of Corbin Burnes in free agency. While the offseason didn’t quite meet the expectations of Birdland faithful, Spring Training brings a fresh sense of hope and plenty of reasons to look forward to the year ahead.
The formula is straightforward: if the Orioles stay healthy and their young core continues to progress, this team has all the makings of a legitimate contender. That’s hardly a groundbreaking take. Beyond the star power of Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, here are five players poised to take the next step and give Orioles fans plenty to celebrate by the time October rolls around.
Jackson Holliday
Beef it’s what’s for dinner. For those uninitiated, Jackson Holliday sent baseball fans a buzz coming to camp with a bulked up frame. Something tells me, Holliday and Tyler O’Neill will be putting that Orioles weight room to good use.
Jackson Holliday spent his offseason adding strength. And eating lots of ground beef.
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) February 14, 2025
He’s up to 200 pounds, he said, and he feels the ball jumping off his bat ever faster (even if the 110 mph tee shot may have been a misread): https://t.co/SfxujHODdJ
The 21-year-old hopped between the Major League roster and Triple A Norfolk. With more of a clear cut role for Holiday on the roster this season you’d imagine we will start to see the hype that has followed the prized prospect since 2021 when he was drafted no. 1 overall out of Stillwater High School.
Holliday made a rapid rise through the Orioles system hitting .304 and 23 home runs over his minor league career. Experience against big league pitching, bigger frame, and a chance to play every day at second base. It wouldn’t be out of the question to have a three headed monster of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Holliday putting up huge numbers this summer.
Is this Fort Myers or Jacksonville? pic.twitter.com/8jVCrtyI5J
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 28, 2025
Colton Cowser
One could argue, Cowser was the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year. Some thought otherwise and it was given to the Yankees pitcher Luis Gil. Nonetheless, there was a lot to be excited about from Cowser’s 2024 campaign.
Cowser hit for a .269 batting average, 24 home runs, and 69 RBI’s last season, and finished top 20 in strikeouts in the MLB with 172 on the year. Last year he dealt with the highs and lows that come with a full year in the show. If he can dial in his plate discipline, Cowser will be a very valuable asset to this 2025 Orioles team.
Colton Cowser is a monster. pic.twitter.com/Zh8QCSUIhr
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 3, 2024
Samuel Basallo
Samuel Basallo has been making a name for himself this spring with an impressive display of power at the plate. The Orioles prospect has turned heads by launching two towering home runs during spring training with the big league squad, effortlessly showcasing his talent as if he were playing slow-pitch softball.
The 20-year-old catcher enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, catching the attention of baseball fans and scouts alike. He built on that success last year in Double-A with Bowie, posting an impressive .289 batting average, 16 home runs, and 55 RBIs. He capped off the season with a stint in Triple-A for the Norfolk Tides, adding three home runs over 21 games.
This young player has plenty to be excited about, from his imposing 6’4” frame to the steady progress he’s made in the minors. The big question now is how he fits into the major league roster. If he keeps producing offensively, especially with his left-handed power, the team will likely find a spot for him. With Adley Rutschman locked in behind the plate and Ryan Mountcastle anchoring first base, his opportunities this season might include occasional starts at catcher, pinch-hitting duties, first base appearances, or serving as the designated hitter. If he stays healthy, watching his role develop should be an intriguing storyline.
Samuel Basallo hits baseballs very, very far 😳@MLBPipeline's No. 13 overall prospect CRUSHED this pitch! pic.twitter.com/AMz0Z7Mmfm
— MLB (@MLB) March 10, 2025
Colby Mayo
Colby Mayo’s brightest days lie ahead as he aims to secure a spot on the Orioles roster out of Spring Training this season. After a brief stint in the big leagues last year, where he appeared in 17 games and logged 41 at-bats, he’s ready to make an even bigger impact.
Over 390 games in the minor leagues, he hit 81 home runs. Which Baltimore fans would love to see translate to the big league level as he continues to fill out that 6’5” frame. Looking at the projected Major League roster for the Orioles, if all goes according to plan you’d imagine Mayo won’t have to carry this offense. Which I think is a good thing, like Jordan Westburg in 2023, he can feel things out, and hopefully settle in putting home runs in the bleachers.
Cedric Mullins
Beyond their highly-touted prospects, outfielder Cedric Mullins could emerge as a key contributor to the 2025 roster. Baltimore thrives when Mullins delivers power at the top of the lineup, showcases Gold Glove-worthy defense in center field.
Dealing with injuries and the unpredictability of a grueling major league season, center fielder Cedric Mullins heads into a contract year with Baltimore. A stellar performance this season could significantly boost his market value while positioning the Orioles as strong contenders in the American League East.
Birdland hopes Mullins can bring back the pop, speed, and defense from the 2021 season, where he hit .291, smashed 30 home runs, and won a Silver Slugger. When Mullins is at his best, the Orioles thrive.
CEDRIC MULLINS ARE YOU SERIOUS 🤯pic.twitter.com/t2CCS2N90Z
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) April 15, 2024
