Baltimore Orioles post season: Top three offseason needs

The Baltimore Orioles had a very surprising (to some) winning season finishing 83-79. The Orioles play in the dreaded AL East, which will get easier with a balanced schedule for next season. The Orioles were on a roll from June to August but really fell off after a tough double header against the Blue Jays.

The Orioles have one of the deepest farm systems in the MLB but having having MLB depth was lacking. Some of the lack of depth was the Orioles unwillingness to promote a top prospect too early or have him get a lack of playing time. Regardless the Orioles have a few holes to fill.

  1. Second base: Having a stud second baseman come in would greatly improve the Orioles weakest position last season. The Orioles have minor league options available but clearly did not think Terrin Vavra had the defensive skill set to start regularly. Not having Roughned Odor play every day is an upgrade in itself.
  2. Starting pitching: The Orioles starting pitching was a big surprise but they clearly got taxed towards the end of the season. Bringing in an established number one starting pitcher and not just an innings eater like Jordan Lyles would be a huge plus. Having a veteran like Justin Verlander around to mentor Grayson Rodriguez and other young pitchers would be a huge upgrade.
  3. Backup catcher: The Orioles can not start Adley Rutschman every day and when he was out of the lineup or DHing it was a clear whole. Robinson Chirinos did a lot of good things for the Orioles but hitting was not his strong suit. Chirinos was a veteran locker room presence and a good “coach” on the field, but he hit .179 with only four home runs. The Orioles need to find a serviceable backup. Maybe a backup catcher who can also play other positions and provide some some power.

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Brian Hradsky

The owner of MSB, I created this website while in college and it has never died.

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