The more things change, the more they stay the same.
At no point in the 21st century have the Orioles entered a season expecting to ride the starting rotation to a World Series. Expectations have varied year to year, but the club has never featured the type of talent that guarantees a legitimate opportunity to win a championship.
The rotation overachieved in 2014, but the real talent resided in the bullpen. Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells broke out in 2023, but the Birds once again rode a group of relievers and timely hitting to an AL East banner.