Mike Elias Shares Surprising Take on Which Unit Will Be Strength of Baltimore Orioles

As the baseball offseason continues to unfold, the Baltimore Orioles’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Elias, has been busy preparing for a season that could cement their place among the elite teams in Major League Baseball. With the team coming off a breakout 2023 season, where they finished with a strong record and made a significant push for the playoffs, expectations are high for the 2024 campaign.

However, Elias, who has spent the last few years rebuilding the Orioles from a bottom-tier team into a legitimate contender, recently shared some surprising insights into which aspect of the team he believes will be the strength of the Orioles in the coming season. While many fans and analysts are quick to point to the team’s offense, with young stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson leading the way, Elias has a different take. According to the Orioles’ GM, the strength of the 2024 team might just come from a unit that has long been a point of concern in Baltimore: the pitching staff.

A History of Struggles

For years, the Orioles were known for their high-powered offense and inconsistent pitching. The team’s pitching staff had long been a weakness, with lackluster performances from the starting rotation and bullpen. In particular, the starting pitchers struggled to consistently provide quality innings, and the bullpen often found itself unable to close out games effectively.

During the latter years of the Dan Duquette era and the beginning of Elias’ tenure, the Orioles found themselves in a perpetual cycle of rebuilding, which included searching for ways to improve the pitching staff. Under Elias’ leadership, however, the organization has taken steps to revamp its pitching infrastructure. These efforts are starting to bear fruit, with the team’s pitching now becoming an area of strength.

The Turning Point: Pitching Development

When Mike Elias took over as GM in 2018, one of his first priorities was to overhaul the team’s approach to player development. The Orioles’ system had long been regarded as one of the weakest in baseball, and their pitching was a primary focus. In particular, Elias and his team made significant investments in the farm system, focusing on advanced data analysis, biomechanics, and pitcher development.

The Orioles also sought to find and develop pitchers who could work with the organization’s revamped player development system. Under this new approach, the team targeted pitchers with high strikeout potential and an emphasis on controlling the strike zone. The fruits of these efforts began to be seen in the 2023 season, with several young pitchers making significant contributions to the major league club.

The Emerging Strength of the Rotation

As we head into 2024, the Orioles’ pitching staff looks to be one of the most promising in the American League. While the team’s offense has generated most of the headlines over the past few years, it’s the pitching staff that has surprised many. Elias has noted that the rotation has made significant strides, and he is optimistic about its future.

One of the key players who has emerged as a potential ace is Grayson Rodriguez, the team’s top pitching prospect. After making his MLB debut in 2023, Rodriguez showed flashes of brilliance, with a fastball that touches the upper 90s and a devastating slider. Despite some early struggles, Rodriguez gained valuable experience and is expected to take a significant step forward in 2024.

Alongside Rodriguez, the Orioles have a solid mix of young talent and experienced arms. Kyle Bradish, who had a breakout 2023 season, is another key member of the rotation. Bradish’s ability to generate strikeouts and limit walks makes him a valuable asset to the team. With other pitchers like Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells also contributing, the Orioles have a well-rounded and promising starting staff that could give the team an edge in the competitive AL East.

The Bullpen: A Quiet Strength

While the starting rotation has garnered much of the attention, the Orioles’ bullpen has also quietly become one of the team’s strengths. The bullpen was a key factor in the team’s success in 2023, and Elias believes that the relief corps will continue to be a major asset in 2024.

Led by closer Félix Bautista, the bullpen is full of power arms that can generate strikeouts and get out of tight situations. Bautista, who emerged as one of the best closers in the league in 2023, will be a key piece in the Orioles’ late-inning strategy. In addition to Bautista, the Orioles have a number of other capable relievers, including Dillon Tate, Cionel Pérez, and Bryan Baker, who can be counted on to provide high-leverage innings.

Elias has also pointed to the depth in the bullpen as an important factor. With a mix of veterans and young arms, the Orioles have the flexibility to match up against opposing teams in late-game situations. The team’s ability to shut down opposing offenses late in games will be crucial to their success in 2024.

A Stronger Emphasis on Analytics and Data

One of the hallmarks of Mike Elias’ tenure has been the increased focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making. The Orioles’ front office has invested heavily in technology and advanced metrics to optimize player performance, particularly when it comes to pitching. This emphasis on data has helped the Orioles identify areas where their pitchers can improve and develop strategies to maximize their effectiveness.

For example, the team’s pitching coaches use data on pitch movement, spin rates, and release points to help pitchers refine their mechanics and improve their stuff. Elias has noted that the Orioles’ pitching staff is one of the most well-equipped in terms of technology, and that this has been a significant factor in their recent success.

The Orioles have also been using data to target pitchers who fit their system. Rather than simply relying on traditional scouting methods, the team has taken a more analytical approach to player acquisition, looking for pitchers whose underlying metrics suggest they could thrive in the team’s developmental environment.

A Balanced Team for the Future

While the pitching staff may be the strength of the 2024 Orioles, the team is still built to compete across all facets of the game. With a potent offense led by young stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Ryan Mountcastle, the Orioles will continue to be a threat at the plate. The team’s balance between offense and pitching will make them a tough opponent for any team in the American League.

The Orioles’ success in 2024 will likely hinge on their ability to continue developing young pitchers while maintaining the offensive firepower that has been their trademark in recent years. If the pitching staff continues to improve, the Orioles could become one of the most well-rounded teams in baseball, capable of competing at the highest level.

The Long-Term Vision

Looking ahead, Mike Elias remains committed to building a sustainable winner in Baltimore. While the 2024 season holds significant promise, Elias’ long-term vision extends far beyond just one year. The Orioles’ farm system remains one of the deepest in the league, with a steady pipeline of talent that will continue to feed into the major league roster.

Elias has made it clear that he is focused on building a team that can compete for championships year in and year out, not just for a single season. With an emphasis on player development, scouting, and data analysis, the Orioles are positioning themselves to be a force in the AL East for years to come.