After a surprising 2022 season for the Baltimore Orioles, many are expecting the team to make some noise in the offseason.
The team won 83 games and finished just three games out in the Wild Card race on the heels of a 110-loss campaign in 2021.
There are several areas where the team could potentially look to add some pieces.
Perhaps the team could search for starting pitching or potentially add a bat or two.
But it’s clear that the Orioles plan on retooling and putting themselves in position to contend in 2023.
The team has a relatively low payroll, lower than most MLB teams.
On Twitter, one analyst pointed out that even if the Orioles were to sign all three of Carlos Rodon, Justin Verlander, and Aaron Judge, their payroll would still be lower than roughly half the league.
The Orioles could sign Verlander, Rodón AND Judge and still have a lower payroll than like half the league
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) December 5, 2022
Orioles Set To Make A Splash
Usually, if a team were to make that many marquee moves, one would expect that team to have a large payroll.
So naturally, this news is most surprising to many.
In some ways, it’s quite impressive.
The Orioles have been trying to build their next great team from within their system.
With the emergence of stars such as Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, John Means, Austin Hays, Anthony Santander, and Ryan Mountcastle, the team now looks prepared to add a few pieces around this impressive young core of stars.
For the first time since 2016, there is reason for optimism in Baltimore.
And if the Orioles supplement their young core, the American League East division will remain a dogfight.
