Baltimore Orioles 2018 Season Preview
The Baltimore Orioles refused to sell last year, and have done virtually nothing this offseason. Will the results be any different than they were in 2017?
Last season, the Baltimore Orioles had seemingly charted their course. After a rough start to the year, and with several stars that were closing in on being a year away from free agency, they appeared to be in the perfect spot to rebuild. And, for a time, that appeared to be the direction they were heading in.
However, Peter Angelos would not let Dan Duquette rebuild. The Orioles originally said they would sell, then retreated from that stance. Then the rebuild was on again, with a rumored trade involving Zach Britton heading to Houston. However, that deal was reportedly nixed by Angelos, leaving the Orioles to reverse course again and actually trade for impending free agent Jeremy Hellickson. That waffling led to a 75-87 record, last in the AL East.
This year, there has been more of the same. The Orioles have done virtually nothing in terms of free agent signings or trades. Britton, Adam Jones, and Manny Machado are all poised to depart via free agency, leaving Baltimore with nothing. And yet, somehow, ownership is convinced this is the right move.
Somehow, someway, the Baltimore Orioles regard themselves as a contending team. Can they really fulfill those dreams of a playoff run?
Baltimore Orioles additions and subtractions
Key additions: Andrew Susac, Danny Valencia, Colby Rasmus
Newcomer to watch: Andrew Susac. In theory, the Baltimore Orioles have their catcher of the future with Chance Sisco. Caleb Joseph is a capable backup. So, that would make Susac no more than minor league depth, right?
Well, not necessarily. While Sisco has performed well in Spring Training, and had an excellent performance in his 22 plate appearance trial last year, he took a step back in the minors. It is also possible that the Orioles keep Sisco in the minors at the start of the season, looking to delay his free agency clock by another year.
If that is the case, Susac may finally get a chance to make an impact at the major league level. He had been expected to be a part of the future for the Brewers, but had dealt with injury woes. Susac only played in 17 games at the major league level in the past two years, but showed decent power and a solid batting eye when healthy in the minors. With a strong Spring Training, he may well crack the Opening Day roster.
Biggest losses: Wade Miley, Welington Castillo
Biggest loss: Welington Castillo. Just as Susac could take advantage of a potentially weak catching position in Baltimore, the departure of Castillo leaves a hole in the lineup.
Signed to a one year contract, Castillo wsa theoretically the bridge to Sisco. He certainly out performed expectations, producing a strong .282/.323/.490 batting line with 20 homers in just 365 plate appearances. Castillo was even excellent defensively, saving six runs and throwing out a league leading 49% of would be base stealers.
Yes, the Baltimore Orioles believe that they have their catcher of the future with Chance Sisco. However, they will be hard pressed to replace the production that Welington Castillo brought to the lineup, especially if Sisco begins the 2018 campaign in the minors.
What to expect from the Baltimore Orioles in 2018
The Baltimore Orioles are in the unenviable position of not only being in the same division as the Red Sox and Yankees, but to also be without a firm direction.
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It is entirely understandable that the Orioles would want to take one more run at the postseason. After all, they have one of the best players in the game in Manny Machado, a solid outfielder in Adam Jones, and, when healthy, an excellent closer in Zach Britton. Brad Brach and Chris Tillman are also set to be free agents after the season. The time would be now for the Orioles.
However, they have not done anything to really add to this core. Three minor league contracts in Andrew Susac, Colby Rasmus, and Danny Valencia are hardly the types of moves that would supplement a roster with legitimate postseason aspirations. The starting rotation has been ignored. Tillman may be able to bounce back from his disastrous 2017 campaign, but he alone is not enough to turn this season into a success.
Right now, the best case scenario for the Orioles would appear to be a .500 record. Yet, even that seems unlikely, especially given the improvements made by the teams above them. That decision not to sell at the deadline last year may well come back to haunt the Orioles for years to come, especially given their weak farm system and refusal to spend on international prospects.
Next: Orioles top ten prospects
The Baltimore Orioles are in for a long season. Although they may not be trying to tank, a top five pick may be in their future. Prediction: Fifth place in the AL East.