Analyst Highlights Key Area Where Orioles Thrive
The Baltimore Orioles had to endure some rough years between 2017 and 2021.
They were arguably the worst team in the league in those years.
However, things started looking up once Mike Elias took over as the head of baseball in the organization in late 2019.
They started drafting well, brought in the right people for player development, and turned their attention to the amateur international free-agent market.
The results have been magnificent.
After reaching rock bottom in 2021 (52-110 record), the 2022 campaign saw them finish above .500 (83-79) and fight for a place in the postseason.
They broke through in 2023, with a 101-61 record, the best in the American League.
The O’s deserve a lot of credit for building a sustainable juggernaut.
“Seven of Baltimore’s projected starters were drafted & developed by them along w/ G-Rod, Means, & Bradish (drafted by CLE, most of development in BAL). Add in Santander (Rule 5, only played with BAL in MLB). Phenomenal scouting and player development,” fantasy baseball analyst Eric Cross tweeted.
Seven of Baltimore’s projected starters were drafted & developed by them along w/ G-Rod, Means, & Bradish (drafted by CLE, most of development in BAL).
Add in Santander (Rule 5, only played with BAL in MLB)
Phenomenal scouting and player development. pic.twitter.com/mqqxNuRsgP
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) January 23, 2024
Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, Jackson Holliday, and Jordan Westburg, seven of their projected starters next year, were “homegrown.”
Anthony Santander is technically an eighth, as he has only worn the Orioles uniform in the bigs.
The rotation is more of the same: Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, John Means… Baltimore had a lot to do in their development, and the same can be said about ace reliever Felix Bautista.
Even without major additions in the offseason, Baltimore should be considered the favorite to win the AL East.
Their core is just too good.
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