The Baltimore Orioles, led by general manager Mike Elias, are currently experiencing a quiet offseason. Despite coming off a successful 101-win season and having a strong farm system, the team has been slow to make moves in an offseason where many teams are searching for pitching upgrades. This article will delve into the reasons behind the Orioles’ lack of activity and the potential ramifications for the team in the short and long term.
One of the areas the Orioles are targeting for improvement is their starting rotation and bullpen. While the everyday lineup seems to be in good shape, Elias acknowledges that pitching is a priority for the team. With young stars like catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson already making an impact, the Orioles want to seize the opportunity presented by their impressive farm system.
Last season, young pitchers Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer emerged as effective starters for the Orioles. Additionally, John Means made a successful return from Tommy John surgery. However, Elias recognizes that the team’s pitching staff could benefit from additional upgrades, especially with the intense competition for starting pitchers in the league.
While the Orioles concentrate on bolstering their pitching staff, they also need to make sure they effectively utilize their surplus of infielders. The team has seen a significant improvement in their infield prospects, with players like Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Jordan Westburg already making their mark. Joey Ortiz and Coby Mayo, both infielders, have also shown promise in the minor leagues.
Elias acknowledges the need to strike a balance between utilizing their infield talent and fielding the best possible team. The surplus of infielders could potentially be used as trade assets to acquire pitching, although Elias points out that there have been limited opportunities for pitcher trades this offseason.
While there are intriguing free agent starters available, such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, the Orioles have historically been unwilling to make significant financial commitments in recent years. Chairman John Angelos’s comments about the team’s potential financial limitations raise questions about how the Orioles will navigate the coming seasons.
To retain their young talent in the long run, the Orioles may need to offer substantial contracts. However, their current approach suggests a more cautious financial strategy. This could have implications for the team’s ability to retain and attract top talent in the future.
As the Orioles continue their quiet offseason, there is still time for the team to make improvements before the start of the season. Their strong base of talent from the previous season, coupled with the potential for additional acquisitions, gives them hope for a competitive upcoming year.
Elias remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, emphasizing that the Orioles won 100 games last season and have retained a majority of their players. However, the team’s lack of activity amidst a busy offseason for other teams raises concerns about their ability to compete in the coming years.
The Baltimore Orioles’ quiet offseason has been the subject of criticism and speculation. While they have a strong farm system and performed well in the previous season, their reluctance to make significant moves raises questions about their ability to seize the opportunity presented by their talented roster. The team’s focus on pitching upgrades and the financial constraints they face create challenges for the Orioles’ future success. As the season approaches, it remains to be seen how the team will navigate these obstacles and position themselves for the long term.
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