A 13-17 record after their first 30 games would not be anything worth noting for most teams. However, the Baltimore Orioles are not most teams.
If the Orioles continue to play at their current pace, they would win approximately 70 games this year. That would be their most wins in a season since 2017, when they posted a 75-87 record before the Orioles truly embraced what has been a long and painful rebuilding process.
Baltimore Orioles may finally be emerging from rebuild
What is even more notable about this start is who has not been involved. Staff ace John Means was lost for the season after eight innings this year. None of the Orioles’ top prospects have made their major league debuts. Their arrival could make a major impact as well.
Although those players have not arrived in the majors, the Orioles have found the beginnings of their core. Their outfield of Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, and Anthony Santander has taken a step forward. Ryan Mountcastle is showing that he can be a valuable piece in the middle of the lineup.
That hope extends to the pitching staff as well. Aside from Means and top prospects Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, the Orioles have found some pieces to build around. Bruce Zimmerman, Spencer Watkins, and Kyle Bradish have been solid options. Jorge Lopez has finally found his role in the majors, as have Keegan Akin and Cionel Perez. Who would have imagined that moving the left field fence back would have made that much of a difference?
None of this means that the Orioles are going to contend in 2023. This fast start could be a mirage, a combination of the shortened spring training causing some teams to struggle out of the gates with the Orioles taking advantage. But there are signs of hope in Birdland, something that could not be said for years.
The Baltimore Orioles are off to a respectable start in 2022. This could be a sign that they are finally starting to emerge from their rebuild.