Are the Orioles a legitimate playoff contender (Going into Spring training)?

[wildcard]

The O's won in 2022 with a mix of youngsters and veterans.  Then they let the veterans go at the end of the season.   

Elias thought he would make a splash with some FA but then was told there was not that kind of money. 

So he filled the holes with slightly better veterans.  Players that he hopes to trade for youth as his high ranked prospects take over during the season.

Edited February 18, 2023 by wildcard

[RZNJ]

12 minutes ago, wildcard said:

The O's won in 2022 with a mix of youngsters and veterans.  Then they let the veterans go at the end of the season.   

Elias thought he would make a splash with some FA but then was told there was not that kind of money. 

So he filled the holes with slightly better veterans.  Players that he hopes to trade for youth as his high ranked prospects take over during the season.

Possibly.   It would be tough to flip guys who performing well at the deadline if the O’s are in contention but that’s exactly what he did in 2022.    It would pretty ballsy to do it again, not that I’m against it.   

[btownoriole]

I voted no, although I do feel very good about where this organization is.  My rationale:

• The off-season “upgrades” were around the edges and may/may not be better than last year.  McCann almost certainly is, but that’s a backup catcher.  While I like Givens he is unlikely to be an upgrade over what Lopez provided last year.
• I think it’s highly unlikely that the bullpen can repeat last year’s performance.
• I’m hopeful but not counting on getting more from Adley this year.  If he stays healthy we could, but I also worry about him wearing down given how much the O’s rely on him.
• I just don’t see the rotation and Gunnar making up for the expected regressions.  
• Other contenders made bigger upgrades.

All that said, I’m really looking forward to seeing Henderson, Rodriguez, and, eventually, Cowser, Norby, Westberg, and Ortiz, begin to establish themselves at the major league level.