Baltimore Orioles Star player is determined to put 2024 behind him. Despite earning his second All-Star selection, The player struggled through an injury-plagued season, including lower-back issues and a foul ball that struck his right hand. These setbacks likely contributed to his disappointing .207 batting average and just three home runs in the second half. His struggles continued into October, where he went 1-for-8 in Baltimore’s Wild Card Round loss to the Kansas City Royals.
“You’re just pissed off for months,”He told the Baltimore Banner. The Orioles finished the second half with a 33-33 record, missing his power and clutch hitting. Kansas City shut down Baltimore’s offense, winning 1-0 and 2-1 while limiting them to just 11 hits. “Getting beat is terrible,”He admitted. “It’s the worst feeling as a player.”
Baltimore came close to overcoming the Royals and potentially facing the New York Yankees in the ALDS. The Orioles haven’t won a playoff series since their 2014 ALCS appearance, and a fully healthy Rutschman will be crucial in avoiding another disappointing finish—especially in a competitive but winnable American League. Oddsmakers remain optimistic, with FanDuel Sportsbook giving Baltimore +275 odds to win the AL East and +600 to claim the pennant, ranking them just behind the Yankees. That’s an impressive outlook for a team that went 52-110 only four seasons ago.