Griggs boldly claims D.C. fans favor Baltimore, even during down years.
The Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals have shared the region for over two decades, and team president Catie Griggs believes the Orioles hold a clear edge when it comes to capturing fans in the nation's capital.
Griggs Makes Bold Claim About Regional Appeal
In a recent interview, Griggs did not hold back when discussing the Orioles' standing in the D.C. market compared to their neighbors down I-95.
"When the team is good, frankly, even when they're not as good as we hope they're, there are more people tuning in to watch us in D.C. than another club that may represent this area," Griggs said.
It's a confident statement, but the numbers and the passion from the fanbase back it up.
The Orioles finished the 2025 season with a 75-88 record, which was a major step back from their 91-71 campaign in 2024 and led to manager Brandon Hyde being fired in May.
Still, the organization remains optimistic about what lies ahead, and Griggs sees the D.C. market as fertile ground for growing the team's reach even during rebuilding phases.
Stadium Renovations Set the Stage for 2026
Part of that optimism comes from the major renovations happening at Camden Yards, which have been a central focus for the front office.
The upgrades are designed to modernize the fan experience while keeping the charm that made the ballpark a trendsetter when it opened in 1992.
New seating options, improved concessions, and enhanced technology throughout the stadium are all part of the plan to make attending games more enjoyable for fans coming from Baltimore, D.C., and everywhere in between.
The investment shows the organization's commitment to competing not just on the field, but also in the battle for regional fans who might otherwise gravitate toward the Nationals.
Why Fans Should Be Excited for 2026
Despite the rough 2025 campaign that saw the team use a record-tying 70 different players due to injuries, there are plenty of reasons for Orioles fans to look forward to next season.
The young core that helped the team reach the postseason in recent years remains intact, and the front office has shown a willingness to spend when the right opportunities present themselves.
Players like Gunnar Henderson, who continued to show star potential in 2025, and Adley Rutschman give the Orioles a foundation that most franchises would envy.
The Washington Nationals finished 2025 with a 66-96 record, ending up in last place in the NL East as they continue their own rebuilding process after trading away most of their veteran talent in recent years.
That gap in on-field performance, combined with the Orioles' stadium improvements and regional marketing efforts, puts Baltimore in a strong position to continue growing its footprint in the D.C. area.
Griggs and the Orioles front office clearly believe the team's appeal extends well beyond the city limits, and with a bounce-back season in 2026, they could prove that belief right.