What Happened to Baltimore Orioles?

The Baltimore Orioles have navigated a period of profound transformation and fluctuating fortunes from late 2023 through early 2026. A pivotal development occurred in December 2023 when the team, under the Angelos family's stewardship, finalized a new 30-year lease agreement for Oriole Park at Camden Yards with the Maryland Stadium Authority. This deal, which included an option to end after 15 years if development plans around the ballpark aren't approved by the end of 2027, secured the franchise's long-term presence in Baltimore and unlocked $600 million in state funds for stadium upgrades.

The most significant turning point arrived in early 2024 with the announcement and subsequent approval of the sale of the Baltimore Orioles. On January 31, 2024, the Angelos family agreed to sell a control stake in the team to a group led by Baltimore native, philanthropist, and Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein for $1.725 billion. This transaction, which included prominent investors like Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, and Michael Bloomberg, received unanimous approval from Major League Baseball owners on March 27, 2024. The full sale of the remaining 60 percent was completed on August 1, 2024, officially ending the Angelos family's three-decade ownership and ushering in a new era for the franchise. John Angelos, who had managed the team's day-to-day operations since 2020, initially remained as a senior advisor but officially parted ways with the organization by October 2024.

On the field, the Orioles experienced a mixed bag of results. Following a surprising 101-win season and an AL East title in 2023, expectations were high for 2024. However, despite acquiring ace Corbin Burnes, the team finished the 2024 season with a 91-71 record, placing second in the AL East, and were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Round. The 2025 season proved to be a significant setback. The team struggled, finishing with a disappointing 75-87 record, failing to make the postseason, and even firing manager Brandon Hyde in May, replacing him with interim manager Anthony Mansolino. This downturn was attributed in part to the departure of key free agents like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, and a rotation built on aging pitchers.

As of March 19, 2026, the Baltimore Orioles are in Spring Training, preparing for the upcoming MLB season under new manager Craig Albernaz, who was appointed after the 2025 season. The new ownership group has shown a willingness to invest, making significant offseason acquisitions for the 2026 season, including slugging first baseman Pete Alonso (five-year, $155 million deal), right-handed starter Shane Baz, and veteran reliever Ryan Helsley. However, the team has already faced challenges with key prospects Jackson Holliday (broken hamate bone) and Jordan Westburg (partial UCL tear) being ruled out for Opening Day during Spring Training. The Orioles also made a splash in the 2025-26 international signing period, committing significant pool money to top prospects. The team's broadcast lineup for the 2026 season was announced in January, with MASN continuing as the exclusive home for games. The new ownership is also focused on resolving the long-standing MASN dispute and developing the area around Camden Yards.