The Baltimore Orioles are drawing comparisons to the legendary 2016 Chicago Cubs. With Gunnar Henderson leading the majors in home runs and Corbin Burnes vying for a Cy Young Award, the Orioles’ performance this season is reminiscent of the Cubs team that broke a 108-year championship drought by clinching the World Series in a dramatic Game 7 victory.
While the Orioles’ championship drought extends only to 1983—a comparatively shorter 41 years—there’s a strong sense of hope and excitement among their fans. Like the 2016 Cubs, the 2024 Orioles boast a powerhouse team built around a dynamic young core, suggesting that even if they don’t win the World Series this year, they are well-positioned to compete for titles in the coming years.
However, there’s no guarantee of sustained success. The Cubs, despite their dominance in 2016 with 104 wins, never matched that peak again. They reached the NLCS in 2017 and made the playoffs in 2018, but missed out in 2019 due to a late-season collapse. By 2021, the Cubs were trading away the young stars that had defined their 2016 triumph and began rebuilding.
Baltimore faces a challenge the Cubs didn’t encounter in 2016: a formidable division rival in the New York Yankees. The Cubs comfortably secured their division title, leading the National League Central by 10 games at this point in their season. The Orioles, however, must contend with the Yankees in the highly competitive American League East.
Despite these differences, the similarities between the two clubs are striking. Both teams are strong in all facets of the game and have been constructed around a core of young, talented players. This foundation not only fuels their current success but also bodes well for their future prospects.
As the Orioles prepare to face the reigning champion Texas Rangers on “Sunday Night Baseball,” let’s delve into the key parallels between the 2024 Orioles and the 2016 Cubs, and what these might mean for Baltimore’s World Series aspirations.
Key Similarities Between the 2024 Orioles and 2016 Cubs:
- Dynamic Young Core: Both teams are built around a group of young, talented players who contribute significantly on both offense and defense.
- Strong Offense: The 2024 Orioles, led by Gunnar Henderson, boast one of the best offenses in the league, much like the 2016 Cubs, who were known for their powerful lineup.
- Dominant Pitching: With Corbin Burnes in contention for a Cy Young Award, the Orioles have a dominant pitcher leading their rotation, similar to how the Cubs relied on their strong pitching staff in 2016.
- Championship Aspirations: Both teams entered their respective seasons with high expectations and have lived up to the hype, making them strong contenders for the World Series.
Challenges and Differences:
- Division Competition: The Orioles face tougher competition in the AL East with the New York Yankees as a formidable rival, whereas the 2016 Cubs had a smoother path in the NL Central.
- Historical Context: The Cubs’ 108-year drought added immense pressure and historic significance to their 2016 season, while the Orioles’ 41-year drought, though significant, doesn’t carry the same weight.
- Sustained Success: The Cubs’ inability to maintain their 2016 level of success serves as a cautionary tale for the Orioles, emphasizing the challenge of sustaining excellence over multiple seasons.
As the Orioles continue their season, these comparisons to the 2016 Cubs highlight both the potential and the challenges that lie ahead. Whether they can replicate the Cubs’ World Series success remains to be seen, but the foundation for a promising future is undoubtedly in place.
