I think the level of effort into finding bounce back players has changed. Previously, the O's tried Hail Mary attempts on minimum salary guys like Ruiz, Valaika, etc. Their more 'expensive' signings were on guys like Iglesias, who was here for defensive value. They also took fliers on guys like Mateo, who hit. But all of them were no risk, with a lottery ticket of upside. This is pure speculation - but boom/bust guys make the most sense in a tank. We don't need a 1.5 WAR 3B (over a replacement level 3B) when we're winning 50 games.
Things are changing. Elias said before 2022 we'd invest some funds on the ML roster. That was mainly into Lyles, who did improve. Things worked out immensely in the pen with several guys.
This year, there's been multi-million dollar investments in Gibson, Frazier, and McCann. All are coming off 'down' seasons.
I think the O's level of success at reclamation projects from 2018-2021 can't really be compared to now. We will see. But this trio is the first big investment Elias & co. has made into something like this. And I think we need to wait and see.
Plus, at this point, what choice do we have but to trust the process?