The 2016-2021 period was particularly obscure for the Baltimore Orioles.
Ownership has never been one to spend too many dollars on free agents, but they still managed to be competitive from 2012 to 2016.
That period included three playoffs appearances, even a visit to the Championship Series in 2014.
After 2016, however, the team fell off a cliff.
There was no direction, drafting was subpar, scouting was not good, and things hit rock bottom in 2018 with a 47-115 record.
Since Mike Elias took over as the general manager in late 2018, all the aforementioned departments have improved.
The franchise played well-below .500 in each of the subsequent three seasons, but started to break through in 2022, with an incredible 83-79 record.
The results of better roster decisions, scouting, drafting, and paying attention to the amateur international market are starting to appear.
Now, the Orioles get rave reviews for having the best farm system in baseball.
“MLB execs say the #Orioles have the best farm system in baseball, per @MLBPipeline. Also received votes for Drafts Best, Most Underrated Farm System and Develops Hitters Best,” analyst Paul Mancano tweeted.
MLB execs say the #Orioles have the best farm system in baseball, per @MLBPipeline.
Also received votes for Drafts Best, Most Underrated Farm System and Develops Hitters Best. pic.twitter.com/ZuBc5VHCEX
— Paul Mancano (@PaulMancano) January 12, 2023
Over the last couple of years, the Orioles have debuted Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, Felix Bautista, Spenser Watkins, Keegan Akin, Dean Kremer, Cedric Mullins, Gunnar Henderson, Kyle Bradish, John Means, DL Hall, and several other impactful players.
Oh, and they still have Grayson Rodriguez and Colton Cowser in the minors, but looking like major leaguers already.
The Orioles are now respected not only by fans, but also by other teams’ executives.
They are on the right path.
NEXT: Orioles Make A Puzzling Move After Acquiring A First Baseman