The Baltimore Orioles have had another quiet offseason, and general manager Mike Elias is urging fans and media alike to be patient. As the Orioles kick off their Birdland Caravan, Elias acknowledges that the offseason has been slower than usual. Despite their successful 101-win season, the Orioles have not made many moves so far. Elias remains optimistic, believing that there is still time for opportunities to arise.
Coming off a stellar season, the Orioles have a small payroll and a strong farm system. This combination should theoretically give them plenty of flexibility to make moves. While their everyday lineup may not need much improvement, the starting rotation and bullpen could benefit from upgrades. The team is aware of the competition and the league-wide demand for starting pitching.
During the previous season, pitchers Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish stood out as consistently effective starters for the Orioles, with Dean Kremer winning 13 games. Additionally, John Means made a successful return from Tommy John surgery. However, the Orioles also have young stars like catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson, as well as top prospect Jackson Holliday, ready to contribute in the majors. This places pressure on the team to maximize their contention window and capitalize on their impressive farm system.
One area where the Orioles have seen significant development is in their infield talent. In recent years, the team went from lacking infielders to now having one of the strongest stockpiles in baseball. Infielders like Joey Ortiz, Coby Mayo, and Jordan Westburg have shown great promise in the minor leagues. Additionally, Henderson and Holliday made their debuts last year. While the team wants to utilize their newfound depth, they are also focused on fielding the best team possible.
With a surplus of infielders, the Orioles might have an advantage in pursuing a trade for a starting pitcher. However, there have not been many deals involving starters this offseason. Other AL East teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox, who are potential trade partners, may have other options in mind. This leaves the Orioles in a challenging position.
Alternatively, the Orioles could explore the free agent market. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are among the notable starters still available. However, pursuing top free agents would require a significant financial commitment. In recent years, the Orioles have been hesitant to make large contracts, as mentioned by chairman John Angelos. This raises questions about the team’s long-term financial strategy and its ability to retain its young talent.
Despite the slow offseason, the Orioles remain hopeful for the upcoming season. Elias emphasizes that the team is still working and is in good shape. With a strong core of talent and time before Opening Day, the Orioles have the opportunity to improve their roster. Having won 100 games and the division last year, the majority of the team remains intact.
The Baltimore Orioles have had a quiet offseason, filled with uncertainty and limited action. While the team has a strong farm system and talented young players, they face challenges in improving their starting rotation and bullpen. The surplus of infielders provides a potential advantage in trade negotiations. However, the team’s financial constraints and their cautious approach to big contracts have hindered their free agent pursuits. As the Orioles move forward, patience and strategic decision-making will be crucial in establishing a competitive team for the 2024 season.
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