Orioles Update

Orioles Update 6/29/2023

After sitting through one of the Orioles’ frequent cliff-hanger games last night, a 10-inning 11-7 loss to the Reds, I decided that it would be a good point in the season for the Old Coach to weigh in on their progress to date.

Clearly, this year’s version of the O’s is capable of making the playoffs as one of the three American League wild cards. That’s not ruling out the possibility that they could overtake the Rays as the AL East top dog, but, at almost the halfway point in the season, it’s evident to me that manager Brandon Hyde and the front office have some holes that will need plugging.

I don’t think even the most optimistic Baltimore fans would have anticipated that the Orioles would get to the end of June with almost 50 wins and playing 16-18 games over .500. After all, the Orioles finished June 2022 with 35 wins before going on a second-half tear that got them within a couple of games of making the playoffs.

Orioles’ fortunes, I think most baseball analysts would agree, changed dramatically for the good last season, once number-one prospect Adley Rutschman became the every-day catcher. Now the probable 2023 All-Star Game starter is playing like a veteran and, like any outstanding player, is raising the play of his teammates.

It seems that most of the Orioles’ acquisitions have been good decisions. Second-baseman Adam Fraser, first-baseman Ryan O’Hearn, and outfielder Aaron Hicks have all stepped in and made big contributions to the team’s success. Add to that the young talented Gunnar Henderson that the Orioles developed in their top-rated minor league program and you have players who can play multiple positions and produce at the bat.

Much of the O’s first-half success is because of their starting pitching, which, coming into the season, was probably considered its weakest link because of their inexperience. Management had brought in veteran innings eaters Cole Irvin and Kyle Gibson to provide some stability for the the young arms of Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and Grayson Rodriguez. Irvin and Rodriguez experienced early season control issues and were sent to AAA Norfolk to work out their problems. But Kremer, Bradish, and Wells have each shown that they can be effective. They will need to continue to grow as the season gets more challenging over the next three months.

If the Orioles are to challenge the Rays or to secure their wild card position, they will need to get another quality starter or two. That could either happen with a trade or with one of their AAA starters coming up and being able to win games. The two most likely prospects would be Rodriguez, who has posted a 4-0 record with Norfolk and DL Hall. Both have been briefly with the major league club, but had command trouble. Irvin, who recently returned to the Orioles, showed improvement in his first appearances. And let’s not forget, John Means is scheduled to come off the injured reserve in August, which could give them a boost.

I don’t believe that the Orioles’ management will trade for a number one starter. First, I don’t believe there will be any worthwhile ones available. Secondly, if there were a Cy Young caliber hurler available, I doubt that the O’s would be able to afford his salary. I don’t think Elias would pay a lot of money for a one-season signee. I think all the decisions are based on long-term goals. Everything is based on building the roster toward a World Series in 2024/25 and then being able to maintain that level for a number of years. That’s why there has been so much effort to build quality depth with their minor league players.

The major weakness that needs immediate attention is middle relief. The 7th, 8th, and 9th innings are pretty solid with Danny Coulombe, Yennier Cano, and perhaps the current best closer in baseball, Felix Bautista. Bryan Baker and Mike Baumann have been spotty. Each has shown signs of inconsistency. So the Orioles will need to find at least two or three arms that can give them two or three innings when the starters have short outings. Bruce Zimmerman will get his chance to prove that he is capable of filling that role, but the O’s may have to trade to bolster the bullpen.

Finally, I’m encouraged by the Orioles’ progress to date. This is not their best shot at having a playoff team. The future World Series-bound squad will have names like Holliday, Kjerstad, Westburg, Ortis, Cowser, Mayo, and Prieto to go with veterans like Rutschman, Henderson, Hayes, and Santander.