What Baltimore Orioles Are Missing Compared to New York Yankees

The Baltimore Orioles have lost three straight games to the New York Yankees by a combined score of 27-9 ahead of their series finale on Monday, emphasizing the gap between the two clubs. The Yankees top the AL at 23-11, while the Orioles are fourth in the AL East at 15-19. Additionally, New York leads the AL with a +65 run differential, and Baltimore is last at -30.

The Detroit Tigers are second at +12. It's too early to make any long-term assumptions, but it's going to be hard for the Orioles to catch the Yankees at this rate. Baltimore hasn't finished above New York in the standings since it won the AL East title in 2023.

However, the squad got swept in the ALDS by the Texas Rangers that year, who later won the World Series. The gap between the two organizations has been apparent for years, as the Orioles haven't won a playoff game since 2012, while the Yankees have been to the ALCS four times since then. That's partially because New York always has a higher payroll, and 2026 is no exception.

The club ranks third in baseball with a $294. 4 million total payroll , and Baltimore ranks 16th at $168. 4 million, per Spotrac.