The surprising Baltimore Orioles just traded the heart and soul of their roster, Trey Mancini, and their All-Star closer Jorge Lopez.
Yet they keep winning games.
At 54-51, they are fourth in the AL East and could realistically win a playoff spot this year.
It’s not likely, but remains within reasonable outcomes.
They have made major strides since last season, when they finished with a 52-110 record.
Even if they don’t make it into October this year, their contention window is officially open.
Their general manager Mike Elias made it official with his latest remarks.
“Mike Elias said he expects the Orioles to try to make significant additions this offseason: ‘It’s liftoff from here,’” Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Sun Nathan Ruiz tweeted, quoting the executive.
Mike Elias said he expects the Orioles to try to make significant additions this offseason: “It’s liftoff from here.”
— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) August 3, 2022
That’s the news baseball fans needed to hear.
The O’s Are Moving In The Right Direction
While unpopular, the Mancini move made sense from a baseball standpoint.
He wasn’t having his best year, and the O’s were unlikely to extend him after the season, when he was slated to become a free agent.
It made sense to turn him into prospects to fortify the farm system.
Now that everything is lining up for the Orioles to compete next year, they are expected to become major players in free agency and the trade market as potential buyers.
They evidently took the next step in player development, and put together a solid bullpen and lineup.
They have several young, controllable players in Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, Ramon Urias, Adley Rutschman, and Anthony Santander.
The best thing of all is that they have impact prospects coming through the minor league ranks.
Gunnar Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, DL Hall, Colton Cowser, and Kyle Stowers could be ready to contribute next year.
It’s actually an exciting moment to be an Orioles fan.
NEXT: Jorge Lopez Comments On What The Orioles Built