Why Orioles Fans Shouldn’t Get Frustrated with a Quiet Winter

Going into this offseason, making a splash during free agency was most likely not going to happen for the Baltimore Orioles

It would be one thing for General Manager Mike Elias to sign one or two big free agents on the market, but that’s only if the Baltimore Orioles were one to two players away from being a contending team. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen for at least another few years. The fans should be aware of where the team is now and shouldn’t get frustrated with the lack of moves during the offseason.

One example of a team that didn’t go full rebuild mode but drafted some core players who are now making an impact is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays drafted Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette. These players have made an impact on the big league roster. Alongside their efforts on the field, the front office went to work, signing some top free agents and trading for pitchers to help them make the postseason. Toronto did the right thing, waiting until their homegrown talent was ready before spending big in the offseason.

At the forefront, Mike Elias needs to see how number one prospect Adley Rutschman does when he makes his Major League debut. The Orioles do have some pieces on their current roster with Cedric Mullins, Trey Mancini, Austin Hays, and Ryan Mountcastle. If Rutschman can have an impact on the roster and get the Orioles closer to .500, you can bet that Elias and company will take a page out of Toronto’s offseason playbook and attempt to sign a big free agent or two in the coming offseason to complement their homegrown talent.

While it would be nice to add a big bat or elite pitching arm right now, it just doesn’t make sense. Let the prospects in the minors develop into great big-league players before going out and signing someone. Despite what the current standings say, the Orioles are in great shape to build a contender.