The Baltimore Orioles have shown improvement lately, winning 10 of their last 14 games, primarily driven by strong pitching and timely hitting. While still positioned in the last place of the AL East, they remain in contention for a Wild Card spot, trailing by 6.5 games with over half the season left. As the 2025 MLB All-Star Game approaches, fans are speculating which Orioles player might be selected, with potential candidates including Gunnar Henderson, Cedric Mullins, and Adley Rutschman. However, an intriguing choice has emerged in Jackson Holliday, the former number one overall prospect, who has exhibited significant growth since making swing adjustments encouraged by his father.

The Baltimore Orioles are facing growing discontent among their young stars concerning contract extensions, as Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson struggle this season. Rutschman, after a brief improvement, is batting just .203, while Henderson has been inconsistent, with a poor OPS and a high strikeout rate. Both players are perceived as vital to the team's future but have yet to deliver the necessary performance to justify long-term contracts. Fans hoping for extensions may have to temper their expectations given their current form.

As June begins, MLB DFS enthusiasts are treated to an exciting slate of games and top lineup recommendations. Among the standout pitching options is Kodai Senga of the New York Mets, priced at $9,000 and boasting a phenomenal 1.60 ERA. His matchup against the struggling Colorado Rockies, who are last in runs scored, makes him an intriguing choice. On the other hand, San Francisco's Hayden Birdsong shows promise with a 2.37 ERA, facing an Atlanta Braves lineup that sits in the bottom ten for runs scored.

Notable hitters include Mike Trout, whose return to form features a staggering 1.208 OPS. He is matched against a struggling Bryce Miller. For value plays, Adley Rutschman at $3,900 is a catcher with a history of performing against lefties, while Lourdes Gurriel, hitting .833 OPS in the last three weeks, could also be a viable option. Teams to stack include the Mets against Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela and the Red Sox facing Will Warren at Yankee Stadium, where left-handed hitters often thrive.

The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2025 season fueled by high expectations, riding on a successful run of 96 wins over the last two seasons. However, their 2025 campaign has spiraled into disappointment, with speculation already swirling around whether they are finished for the year.

The team's struggles stem from a battered starting rotation with an ERA exceeding 5.00, underwhelming performances from key hitters like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, and a bullpen that has failed to support. This combination prompted the mid-May firing of manager Brandon Hyde, who many believe was a scapegoat for a front office that opted against significant offseason pitching upgrades. After a recent three-game sweep of the White Sox, the Orioles find their playoff odds lingering below 2%, necessitating a remarkable turnaround to even sniff the wild card race. A long-term view toward 2026 is becoming increasingly pertinent.