Orioles make layoffs within business ops ahead of expected MLB lockout

October 7, 2026 - 02:38

The Baltimore Orioles made cuts to their business operations staff Tuesday, just over a week after their 2026 season ended. The team did not disclose how many positions were eliminated or which departments were affected, but the timing points to broader financial caution across the organization.

The layoffs come as Major League Baseball braces for a likely lockout when the current collective bargaining agreement expires in December. Front offices around the league have been trimming costs and delaying spending decisions in anticipation of a work stoppage that could freeze roster moves and disrupt revenue streams well into the offseason.

For Baltimore, the cuts add another layer of uncertainty to a franchise already navigating a rebuild. The club has spent recent years reshaping its roster and farm system, and business-side reductions suggest the front office expects a lean winter. Ticket sales, sponsorships and gameday operations could all face pressure if a lockout stretches into spring training.

Team officials declined to comment beyond confirming the staffing changes. Employees affected were notified earlier in the day, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because the moves were not public.

The Orioles are not alone. Several clubs have quietly reduced staff in recent weeks, wary of a labor fight that could cost the industry billions. Whether these cuts prove temporary or signal a longer reset will depend largely on how negotiations unfold in the coming months.