MLB futures: Here's where to bet on the Orioles' win-loss record in 2024

It isn't just DK that is predicting the O's won't match last year's success. The Athletic calls last year's AL leaders "severely lucky" and uses some snazzy stats to prove that point. 

"The O’s also scored 807 runs, 44 more than expected from their underlying stats, largely because they batted .287 with runners in scoring position, the best in MLB, and just .241 with the bases empty," the Athletic says. "And on top of that, Baltimore won seven more games than expected given their actual run differential."

This isn't the general consensus, however. Sports Illustrated's Brad Wakai isn't buying into what The Athletic is selling.

"Yes, the batting average was impressive with runners in scoring position, and that could regress, but maybe it was the best figure in the MLB because of how good the players are," Wakai writes.

"This young team doesn't have a true baseline to pull from since many of their contributors don't have a lot of Major League seasons under their belts."

This brings up a major point that could be why oddsmakers and some pundits aren't high on the Orioles heading into 2024: Their star power. 

Baltimore is a young and scrappy contingent that overachieved in 2023 while in a division of star-packed rosters that underwhelmed — especially if you're talking about the New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers are packed with big names and expected to be World Series contenders this year. (They were thought to be that way last year before they sustained a plethora of injuries, but that's another story.) 

Since the Yankees are expected to have a rebound season and the equally-stacked Tampa Bay Rays are expected to be playoff-bound again, perhaps it's not surprising sportsbooks and critics don't think much about Baltimore's younger, less-flashy lineup — even with the No. 1 overall pick from the 2022 draft potentially making the Opening Day roster.  

So, where does that leave you wagering on the Orioles win-loss record? 

Given how much lower the O/U is set for this season and how relatively favorable the odds are, it isn't a huge gamble to bet Baltimore to hit the Over in 2024. 

If the Orioles build on last season and stay healthier than both the Yankees and Rays, there's no reason they can't make the AL East more fun to watch. Not to mention, have another 91-plus wins season once fall rolls around.