There is something related to a slow unraveling that catches fans attention. The kind where optimism quietly becomes a frustration and before you know it, the questions begin to pile up louder. Currently, that uneasy transformation is hanging over the Baltimore Orioles and no, it is not just because of some bad games.

The whispers became a full-blown scrutiny when a respected voice — Chris Rose— decided to bet on a distinctive horse in the AL race. For the Baltimore Orioles, that was assumed to keep climbing, being passed over is not just a jab — it is a gut check.

When a team stumbles early, the critics basically take a cautious step back. However, not this time. As the season has begun to unfold its colours, the Orioles are going through serious heat. At the period of a current episode of Chris Rose Rotation, he did not twist words when asked related to the team’s current situation.

Instead of rallying behind them, the insider openly placed the Tigers ahead and said, “I definitely have the Tigers over the Orioles in the power ranking because it will be that way until the Orioles get reinforcements”. For the Orioles, which entered the season with dreams, being sidelined this early cut deeper.

The why behind such a tough assumption becomes obvious once you analyze the raw numbers. The team stumbled to a 10–14 record and failed to win any of their first four series. This is a slump the team had not seen since 2010. In addition, their pitching issues have been impossible to ignore, with stars like Charlie Morton delivering a 0-5 record with the ERA north of 10.89.

In addition, currently, the Orioles’ lineup at first and third base carries Ryan Mountcastle and Jordan Westburg. They are solid, however could not be at their elite level. Young star Coby Mayo is in the mix of the team. However, Mayo can not play continuously because of the established stats in the infield. The team’s bench is a source of issue, specifically, with backup catcher Gary Sánchez’s struggles. Another backup addition is Ramon Laureano, who has struggled to identify consistent playing time. There is a need to identify stars who can continuously provide elite help when called upon.

It is one aspect to have growing issues; it is another when your base cracks wide open. That is the reality the team is staring at. In addition, it is exactly why insiders, like Rose, are beginning to look at any other team when talking related to true AL threats.

Cedric Mullins provides hope as Orioles look for answers

While the team has been slipping in the early season, not everything in the Orioles is falling apart. There is Cedric Mullins, continuously shining through the cracks. Guiding the team in almost every vital offensive aspect — hits, HR, RBIs, walks and stolen bases — the star has been carrying the team on his back while other stars in the roster try to catch up. With an effective .295 BA and a 1.023 OPS, Mullins is not just carrying a “good stretch”. He is providing the kind of all-around effect that the Orioles desperately need currently.

It is not just related to the numbers. Mullins’ leadership is carrying the team’s objectives. As Ramon Urias said, “he is at his best right now”. When the outcomes are not going the team’s way, Mullins keeps bringing relentless approaches. Brandon Hyde concluded it up effectively, saying, “he is competing every at-bat, every pitch”. If the team thinks it to dig itself out of this early-season issue, they will need more stars to adopt Mullins’ mindset.

Sure, the standings do not look good at 10–14. However, if the team leans into its power—speed, defense and a small-ball thought process — the team can still claw their way back. It is not related to flashy wins; it is related to grinding out series wins. The O’s approach for recovery is already sitting in their dugout. The real question is: will the team rally around it before the season begins to slip away for good?