Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around — and away from — baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.
When the Orioles signed O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract, the injury history was an immediate concern. And it immediately reared its head.
What president of baseball operations Mike Elias and interim manager Tony Mansolino said about veteran leadership, offseason plans, Adley Rutschman’s role and a healthy return for Heston Kjerstad.
Mike Elias described Mansolino as a “real candidate” and complimented many of the traits Mansolino exhibited during his four-and-a-half month tenure as interim manager.
In some ways, the issues that have plagued Colton Cowser this season are a microcosm of the teamwide problems that have left the Orioles to play out the string of a disappointing season.
Major League Baseball thrives off the star power in its ranks, but the backbone of the sport rests with the journeymen, who may shine for one night only — if they’re even that lucky.
Nate George reached High-A Aberdeen a year after the Orioles selected him in the late rounds of the 2024 draft, and Trey Gibson broke through to Triple-A Norfolk this season.