The Baltimore Orioles have had one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent memory.
From 2017-2021, the Orioles were one of the worst teams in baseball.
But, over the past two seasons, the Orioles have improved drastically.
Last season they won 83 games, and this year they already have 85 wins at the beginning of September.
One of the biggest reasons for their turnaround has been the draft and development of some key players.
The two most important players on the Orioles are both 25 years and under.
Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson have emerged as elite young stars.
Rutschman was the first to debut and he gets plenty of credit for turning this franchise around.
According to Zach Bollinger, the Orioles have gone 152-106 since calling Rutschman up.
That is substantially better than the 258 games prior when they went 91-167.
Adley Rutschman has been in the MLB for 258 games.
In the 258 games prior to Adley being called up the Orioles were 91-167.
In the 258 games since the Orioles called Adley up they are 152-106.
Adley Rutschman established a winning culture the second he stepped on the field. pic.twitter.com/ycOlgdzYkl
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) September 4, 2023
The best way to build a strong team is by drafting and developing.
No team has done a better job of that than the Orioles.
It is not just Rutschman and Henderson that apply as draft-and-develop guys.
They also have a loaded farm system of impact players.
The next to be called up at some point is Jackson Holliday.
He is the top prospect in baseball and has the makings of a future superstar.
The future of the Orioles is bright and it is players like Rutschman that have helped change the culture.
Not only are the Orioles good this season, but they will be competitive for many seasons to come.
NEXT: Top Orioles Prospect Gets A Major Promotion
