So much of the Orioles’ rebuild is justified by the idea that all the losing and whatever embarrassment comes from it will be worth it in the end. One important reward for that, however, isn’t guaranteed.
The Orioles are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the league’s worst record at 46-97 with three weeks left in the season. Those teams seem locked into having either the worst or second-worst record in 2021. In many years, that would guarantee them one of the top two picks in the 2022 MLB draft, and all the advantages that come with it.