The Baltimore Orioles are starting a new era under new manager Craig Albernaz, but it's going to take plenty of work to make up for their past failures. The Orioles have not won a playoff game since 2012 and haven't made the World Series since 1983.

The organization was ranked eighth in ESPN's "10 most frustrated fanbases of 2025," via ESPN's David Schoenfield. 

"The Orioles were in the running for the top spot on this list until they signed [Pete] Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract, making him the first big free agent splash since David Rubenstein finalized his purchase of the Orioles in August 2024," he wrote. "Rubenstein's first full season as owner was a disaster: He made no big moves in the 2024-25 offseason while immediately complaining that MLB needs a salary cap, and then the team went on to collapse on the field, finishing 75-87 and in last place just two years after winning 101 games."

Baltimore has also added other veterans like outfielder Taylor Ward and closer Ryan Helsley. But it will take more than an active offseason to make up for its lack of success historically.

Orioles Must Keep Upgrading to Compete in AL East

At this point, Baltimore doesn't look like a last-place team on paper. Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson has an .831 career OPS, while Alonso is the New York Mets' all-time home run leader. Meanwhile, Ward had a .792 OPS for the Los Angeles Angels last season, and catcher Adley Rutschman has a .755 career OPS despite having a down year in 2025.

However, the Orioles still have question marks on the mound. For example, Helsley has a 2.96 career ERA, but had a 4.50 mark over 58 combined outings for the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets last season. There's no guarantee that the right-hander will find his previous form again.

Additionally, new trade acquisition Shane Baz had a 4.87 ERA for the Tampa Bay Rays last season. The 26-year-old could bounce back, but that's no sure thing either.

Southpaw Trevor Rogers had a 1.81 ERA over 18 starts for the Orioles last season, but he recorded a 4.92 mark in 25 combined starts for the Miami Marlins and Orioles in 2024. Which Rogers will show up in 2026?

These are just a few of the many questions surrounding a Baltimore pitching staff that finished 26th in baseball with a 4.60 ERA in 2025. Continuing to improve that unit will help the team avoid ESPN's "frustrated fanbases" list next year.