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State of the Orioles
With the worst season in franchise history behind them, what can the O's do to build a brighter future?
After an abysmal 2018 season, totaling only 47 wins, many Orioles fans have lost faith in our once beloved baseball franchise. For those loyal fans that understand the highs and lows that goes along with a grueling rebuilding process, we need to encourage our fan base to stand by our team and play out the process. However, we need to acknowledge the fact that the Orioles will not compete with the Yankees and the reigning champions, the Boston Red Sox, for at least two years. With current vacancies at both the managerial and the general manager position, ownership needs to commit to a new manager and GM for the long run. Once those positions are filled, this is how I believe the organization should carry out the rebuilding process.
The first moves that must be done to kick off a successful rebuild includes removing any players of value and overwhelming contracts. Players to keep an eye on include starting pitcher Alex Cobb, and relief pitchers Mychal Givens and Richard Bleier. Cobb, who was signed to a four year deal during last years free agency, struggled for the vast majority last year but showed flashes of his proven track record in the AL East with a strong performance in August. If he impresses in the upcoming season, the Orioles should not hesitate to ship him out for a haul of prospects. Givens and Bleier have both received interest from opposing teams last season, so it would be smart to get as much value out of those two as possible. Apart from that, it is time for the Orioles to move on from Chris Davis. After recording the worst statistical season for any everyday starter in MLB history, hitting .168 in over 500 plate appearances, the front office needs to relinquish the plight that is Davis’ contract and clear cap space for the future.
After trading superstars Zach Britton, Jonathan Schoop, and Manny Machado to the Yankees, Brewers, and the NL Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, the Orioles were able to acquire a haul of talented young prospects including the #56 prospect Yusniel Diaz from the Dodgers. The Orioles farm system has always been criticized for its mediocrity over the last five years and we are finally beginning to see improvement. Our prospect depth in the outfield including Diaz, Austin Hays, and September call-up Cedric Mullins casts a bright light for the future of the Birds. The pitching depth within the farm system has also improved with future starter DL Hall impressing in single “A” Delmarva with a sub two ERA and 2018 first round pick Grayson Rodriguez, who has dominated in the Gulf Coast League. Also, the Orioles have began to invest in the international market for the first time in a long time. However, they did strike out on Cuban superstar Victor Victor Mesa who was favored to sign with Baltimore but instead took his talents to Miami. They did however sign four international players after losing out on Mesa, one of them ironically with the last name Machado. Regardless of the missed opportunity to acquire a future franchise leader, the Orioles need to follow the blueprint that the Cubs and the Astros left behind from their rebuilds which includes diving deep into the international market.
One event that all Orioles fans should be looking forward to this year is the upcoming MLB Draft in mid-June. The O’s hold the #1 overall pick and are looking to find the next superstar that will bring fans back to Camden Yards. The early favorites to be selected at number one include high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who won the 2018 High School Home Run Derby at Nationals Park in D.C., and Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman who impressed in the College World Series with a record 17 hits in the tournament.
The next few seasons will be painful and hard to watch but as long as the front office continues to strengthen the farm system and invest in the international market, we should see the orange and black competing for the AL East title by 2021.
