Heading into this offseason, it was easy to identify the areas the Orioles needed to address. The seemingly never-ending search for true difference-making starting pitchers would continue. The roster needed more left-handed hitters—preferably ones that could push Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays for at-bats in the middle of the lineup. Mike Elias also needed to look to replace Rougned Odor’s veteran presence in the infield, while also adding some more offensive upside.
The front office has given at least lip service to all of those needs. Yes, the likes of Gibson, Diaz, Cordero and Frazier are a far cry from the players Birdland dreamed would join the club.