Call to the pen
Fansided

Baltimore Orioles can’t win without spending some money

By Darren Klein

Sep 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (18) looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde (18) looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Outside of starting pitcher John Means, players under team control, and a dusting of potential options for the 2023 campaign, the Baltimore Orioles do not have a single player on a multi-year contract and rank last among all Major League Baseball franchises with a payroll of just over $46 million.

When you think of small market teams in baseball, most people would probably not put the Baltimore Orioles into that category. Baltimore has always had a very loyal fan base along with one of the most beautiful stadiums throughout all of sports (minus the new wall In left field)
Their manager, Brandon Hyde, has endured some truly horrible seasons, showing true patience during these “rebuilding” years.

2019 — 54-108

2020 — 25-35 (pandemic-shortened season)

2021 — 52-110

2022 — 23-33 (so far)

So far this season, the Baltimore Orioles have been much more competitive than expected due in part to their pitching staff.

It’s the team’s offense that has been frustratingly lame through the first couple of months of the 2022 regular season. The team has combined for a .227 average (26th overall), .297 on base percentage (26th overall), 51 home runs (20th overall), 203 RBI (24th overall), and .659 OPS (26th overall). Numbers like these are not going to be bringing home any division titles, let alone a Wild Card spot.

With a lot of young talent and potential the team has already on the big league roster and waiting in the chutes in the minors, the pieces are falling into place for the Birds to start getting back to the winning ways that the city and fans expect from their club. Unfortunately, another year without spending money will likely cause the team to finish below .500 for the sixth consecutive year.

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If we look ahead to the offseason, one could only hope the organization has been saving its bankroll to go big in the upcoming free agent market. Not only do the fans deserve it, but Hyde deserves it as well. Baltimore has been playing with pennies while the rest of the league rolls with 100s for long enough and the time to push is now.

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