3 Players Baltimore Orioles Fans Are Already Fed Up With in 2025
The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2025 MLB season with lofty expectations. After a breakout 2023 and a playoff berth in 2024, fans believed the O’s were poised to make a serious run at the AL East title. However, just a couple of months into the new season, some players have already fallen out of favor with the fanbase due to inconsistent performances, poor decision-making, or failing to live up to the hype. Here are three Orioles players that fans are already growing frustrated with in 2025.
### 1. **Ryan Mountcastle – Struggling at the Plate**
Ryan Mountcastle has long been a fan favorite due to his raw power and offensive potential, but his 2025 campaign has been anything but productive. After slumping late in 2024, many expected a bounce-back season from the first baseman. Instead, Mountcastle has looked overmatched against both left- and right-handed pitching. His batting average has hovered around the Mendoza Line (.200), and his strikeout rate has increased significantly.
What’s been most concerning is his inability to deliver in clutch situations. With runners in scoring position, Mountcastle has been one of the least productive bats in the lineup, and his defensive play at first base hasn’t done enough to offset his struggles at the plate. Fans are beginning to question whether it’s time for the Orioles to look for a more consistent long-term option at the position.
### 2. **Cole Irvin – Rotation Weak Link**
While the Orioles boast an improving pitching staff, Cole Irvin has been a glaring weak spot in the starting rotation. Inconsistency has plagued Irvin throughout the early months of the season. His ERA has ballooned above 5.00, and he’s failed to pitch deep into games, putting extra pressure on an already taxed bullpen.
Irvin’s tendency to give up early-inning runs has often put the Orioles in a hole before their offense has had a chance to get going. Although he was expected to provide depth at the back end of the rotation, his struggles have been hard to overlook—especially when young arms like Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott are waiting for their shot in Triple-A. Fans are clamoring for a shakeup, and Irvin’s rotation spot may soon be in jeopardy.
### 3. **Jorge Mateo – Offensive Liability**
Jorge Mateo has long been valued for his speed and defensive versatility, but his bat has once again failed to keep up. Despite a strong spring training, Mateo has been nearly invisible in the lineup, providing little offensive spark while continuing to chase pitches outside the zone. His on-base percentage is among the lowest on the team, and his inability to work counts or draw walks has made him a rally killer at the bottom of the order.
Mateo’s struggles are made worse by the presence of younger, more dynamic infield options in the Orioles’ system. With Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg pushing for more playing time, fans are questioning Mateo’s place on the roster.
### Final Thoughts
Though it’s still early in the season, Orioles fans are growing impatient. With expectations higher than they’ve been in years, Baltimore can’t afford to carry underperforming players for long. Mountcastle, Irvin, and Mateo will need to turn things around quickly—or risk losing their roles as the Orioles chase postseason glory in 2025.
