It would be easy to look at the Baltimore Orioles‘ actions at the trade deadline and be discouraged. Trey Mancini, one of the most inspirational players in the game, was sent to Houston. Another key part of the locker room, closer Jorge Lopez, was shipped to Minnesota. The heart and soul of the franchise was ripped away in those two deals just as the Orioles found themselves in the conversation for a playoff berth.
It is also something that general manager Mike Elias realized as well. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, Elias flew down to Texas to meet with key players of the organization and his decisions at the deadline. He wanted to make certain that he is hoping that not only can they earn a Wild Card berth, but to explain his outlook for the future of the organization.
The rebuild is over for the Baltimore Orioles
Part of that vision for the future involves loading up for 2023 and beyond. As Nathan Ruiz from The Baltimore Sun reported, Elias said that they are looking to make significant additions in the offseason. The rebuild is over once 2022 comes to an end.
Part of that may involve players on the current roster. Elias met specifically with Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, and Cedric Mullins, amongst others. Locking those players that he has identified as the core going forward to long term extensions would be a way of ensuring that the rebuild comes to an end.
The Orioles also have plenty of flexibility going forward. They have an estimated payroll of $45.8 million for next year based off of arbitration models and options being picked up. Only five players are even eligible for arbitration next year, and John Means is not going to get a significant boost over his 2022 salary due to his injury situation.
Those trades also gave the Orioles more pitching prospects, something that they are focusing on loading up their system with. Those arms could be flipped elsewhere in the offseason as they look to add controllable pieces to the roster. Brighter days could be coming very quickly in Baltimore.
The Baltimore Orioles looked like they were throwing in the towel for 2022. Instead, they may be getting ready to load up and contend once more.