How Close Are the Baltimore Orioles to Making the World Series?

The Milwaukee Brewers just ended a 44-year wait for another World Series appearance, reaching the Fall Classic for the first time since 1982. Their breakthrough leaves the Baltimore Orioles with the third-longest active drought among all 32 teams.

Baltimore last appeared in 1983, 43 years ago, while the Pittsburgh Pirates have waited since 1979. The Seattle Mariners have never reached the World Series.

The wait is long, but it does not mean the Orioles are far from building a team capable of reaching October's final stage. It does mean they need to turn their talent into consistent results.

Baltimore finished the 2026 season at 79-82, fourth in the AL East and 18.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays. They missed the postseason for a second straight year. The New York Yankees finished 93-68 and the Boston Red Sox went 87-75, showing how difficult it is for Baltimore to keep pace in its division.

The first step is closing that gap. Baltimore does not need to win the division every season to make a World Series run, but it must become a consistent playoff team. The expanded postseason gives clubs more routes into October, though reaching the World Series still requires winning multiple rounds against strong opponents.

The Orioles have pieces to build around. Pete Alonso led the AL with 113 RBIs and 43 home runs in his first season in Baltimore, while Gunnar Henderson remains a key part of the team's young core. Adley Rutschman gives the club a reliable option behind the plate. Their production can drive a postseason-caliber offense, but Baltimore needs more consistent contributions across the lineup.

Pitching is the bigger question. A deep postseason run requires reliable starters and a bullpen that can protect leads. Baltimore must strengthen the rotation, manage injuries better and give its young pitchers enough support to handle a full season. Adding depth so that one or two injuries do not derail the staff is essential.

The Brewers' breakthrough is a reminder that a long drought can end when a roster comes together at the right time. For Baltimore, the path is clear even if it is demanding. Improve the pitching, get more consistency from the roster and return to the playoffs.

The Orioles are 43 years removed from their last World Series appearance. Ending that wait will take more than potential. It will take a complete team built to win in October.