When the Baltimore Orioles finished last in the AL East Division in 2017, winning 75 games, fans didn’t know then it could get a lot worse. But it did. They finished last during the next four years, too, winning only 47, 54, 25 (Covid-shortened season), and 52 games. The Orioles’ front office had decided to rebuild the roster which contributed to their futility during those losing seasons. It was hard for the fans to be patient.

But unlike other franchises who have been in similar situations, the Orioles haven’t stayed mired in their losing ways. Beginning in 2018, the Orioles emphasized talent evaluation and player development during the ensuing lean years and are now reaping the benefits. General Manager Mike Elias gets credit for leading the Orioles’ productive efforts.

Actually, the turnaround began in 2022 when the Orioles broke .500 for the first time since 2016. Last season they achieved 101 wins (their first 100-win season since 1980) and earned a first-place finish in the division.

They’re one of the best teams in the AL again this year. The number of young quality players on the roster doesn’t seem fair to the rest of the league, although Orioles management certainly didn’t feel that way. In fact, if not for some current injuries, they likely wouldn’t have a spot for all of them. Because of their depth in position players, a few of them were traded this season to address the need for additional pitching down the stretch. It’s a great problem to have for the front office.

In the discussion below about specific Orioles players, I am referencing their draft year and draft round to emphasize the Orioles’ success in the selection of players. They have quickly risen to major-league status and are now key contributors.

Three of the Orioles’ young studs made the AL All-Star team this year, along with eight-year veteran Anthony Santander. Adley Rutschmann (2019, 1st) quickly established himself as one of the best catches in all of baseball. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2019, 2nd) was the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year and is making a strong bid for MVP honors this season. Jordan Westburg (2020, 1st), in his second year with the Orioles, has been a valuable player at multiple infield positions.

Last year’s Minor League Player of the Year Jackson Holliday (2022, 1st) made his major-league debut in early April, but was returned to Triple-A Norfolk when he struggled at the plate. When Westburg went on the injured list, Holliday was recalled to play second base and has demonstrated the power everyone expected (5 home runs in 14 games). Drafted as a shortstop, he will play second base in deference to Henderson.

Colton Cowser (2021, 1st) took over left field duties at the beginning of the year, while Heston Kjerstad (2020, 1st) became an everyday player splitting time between outfield and DH in July.  They are competing for playing time with Santander and veteran outfielder Cedric Mullins (2015, 13^th) who became a regular in 2021. After hitting 23 home runs in the minors, third baseman Coby Mayo (2020, 4th) made his major-league debut at the beginning of August.

The Orioles haven’t focused on pitching as much as position players, but Grayson Rodriguez (2018, 1st) has become a mainstay in the starting rotation in only his second major-league season, with 13 wins under his belt. If there is a weakness in the current roster, it is pitching depth.

Baltimore is in the enviable position to deal some of their prospects should they need to close gaps in the roster. For example, to address a lack of healthy pitching depth this season, the Orioles dealt several of its surplus youngsters near the trade deadline. Austin Hays (2016, 3rd) was sent to the Phillies for relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez. Outfielder Kyle Stowers (2019, 2nd) and infielder Connor Norby (2021, 2nd) were traded to the Marlins for starter Trevor Rogers.

The Orioles have followed the blueprint the Houston Astros utilized during 2011 to 2014, when they overhauled their roster with young, highly productive prospects. Since 2017, the Astros have played in four World Series, winning in 2017 and 2022.

That’s what the Orioles are poised to do over the next few years.