After losing 115 games in 2018, the Orioles had unquestionably hit rock bottom.
A 47-win season combined with a dormant international department and a thin farm system left little reason for hope.
But that was a blessing in disguise.
When the Orioles hired Astros assistant GM Mike Elias as head of baseball operations in November 2018, he was freed from any preconceived notions, entrenched power bases or sacred cows. The Orioles were going to do things drastically differently.
They had to.
"(Owner) John Angelos was very consistent with me (throughout) the hiring process," Elias said. "He said, 'We're gonna let you go to town here and change our organization. We need it.'"
Five seasons later, the turnaround arrived ahead of schedule. The Orioles improved by 49 wins from 2021 to 2023. Since integration, only one other team had ever improved by 40 games in a two-season span. That team was the 1963 Phillies.
"I get miffed when people throw the 'tanking' word around at us, because both of these (rebuilds) that I've been involved with, we came in when the team was already really bottomed out," Elias said of his time with the Astros and now Orioles.
"We were just trying to make things better as quickly and as intensely as possible. Both times the team got back to the playoffs a little quicker than anyone prognosticated."
The Orioles won 101 games last season and claimed the American League East division title and No. 1 seed in the AL playoffs. But the best is yet to come.
The Orioles might not win 100 games in 2024, but they should be a more talented and well-rounded team. That's because their largest wave of young talent is still cresting
This story is from the March/April 2024 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March/April 2024 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
