The 2023 season was a magical ride for the Baltimore Orioles. An AL East Title, the top seed in the American League and 101 victories were all accomplishments that made for an exciting year.
Unfortunately, the postseason would come to an early end, as the Orioles were swept in the AL Division Series by the Texas Rangers.
Of course, Birdland was left disappointed, but overall, the season was a success and hopefully a harbinger of what is to come for a long time moving forward.
While the offseason has started earlier than many hoped it would, the Orioles will now take aim at fortifying and shaping next season’s roster.
One member of the organization will not be a part of preparing the future of the team, as director of draft operations, Brad Ciolek, will be taking a role with the Washington Nationals.
Ciolek was a member of the Orioles organization for the last decade and spent the last five seasons overseeing the MLB Draft. He will be joining the Nationals as their senior director of amateur scouting. Ciolek will be working with former Orioles’ scout Danny Haas.
Major League Baseball has announced its finalists for the 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. This year, the Orioles will have three candidates who have an opportunity to win their first Gold Gloves. Those players are first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, left fielder Austin Hays and catcher Adley Rutschman.
The winners of this season’s Gold Glove Awards will be revealed on November 5, during ESPN’s Baseball Tonight at 7:30 P.M. EST.
After third baseman Ramón Urías won his first Gold Glove in 2022, the Orioles hopefully add at least one more Gold Glover to their rich history. The Orioles have more Gold Glove winners than any other American League team since the award was introduced in 1957.
Former top prospect Gunnar Henderson and 2023 All-Star Yennier Canó were named to the First Team All-Rookie squad, which was announced on October 17.
Henderson, who split time between shortstop and third base this season, led all rookies with 28 home runs. The 22-year-old provided strong defense, shining when the lights were brightest and is the favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year.
Canó led rookies with 72.2 innings of work this season and also had a rookie releiver best 2.11 ERA. He finished tied for the MLB lead with 31 holds and was second for rookies with eight saves.
Unfortunately, O’s All-Star closer Félix Bautista missed the last 34 games of the season, and it was announced that he would undergo Tommy John Surgery. The operation was completed successfully on October 9, as Bautista will begin the long road to recovery, missing the entire 2024 season.
Though he missed some time, ‘The Mountain’ was named Baseball Digest’s Releiver of the Year after putting forth one of the most dominating seasons out of the bullpen.
Also having a recent surgery was left-handed pitcher Bruce Zimmermann, who had successful core muscle surgery on October 19. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
With the small handful of free agents, the Orioles will be left with a large number of arbitration-eligible players. After having six such players last season, that number jumps up to 16 this season, with Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, Anthony Santander and John Means expected to receive the largest raises.
Of course, some players may be non-tendered, and that could play a role in what prospects are fighting for roles next season. There are also minor league players who elected free agency, such as right-hander Austin Voth and catchers Anthony Bemboom and José Goody.
Jackson Holliday was named the Orioles’ Minor League Player of the Year, while right-hander Chayce McDermott (O’s No. 10 prospect) was named the top minor league pitcher for the Birds. Also, the Orioles’ No. 5 and MLB Pipeline’s No. 46 prospect Samuel Basallo was named the Double-A Eastern League MVP.
Buck Britton was named the Orioles’ Minor League Manager of the Year, and area scout, Dave Jennings, will be honored for his contributions to the organization.
The hot stove will be on fire soon, and Orioles GM Mike Elias has not tipped his hand on what the team needs or if the payroll will grow more than last season’s.
“I’m just in day one of our offseason,” Elias said on October 12. “That’s my answer.”
Elias has already warmed up the stove when he signed Bautista to a two-year contract extension when his surgery was announced. The Orioles also signed left-hander Luis Gonzalez and right-hander Guachi Jules to minor league deals.
While Elias did say he and manager Brandon Hyde would be back next season, it’s what happens from now until then that will keep Birdland paying close attention.
In the meantime, enjoy what the Orioles have built. The team is strong and will only become stronger. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but we all are along for the ride and will be eager to see how the offseason unfolds.
This article was brought to you by Playbook Products – Orioles coaster sets, T-shirts and more!
Calling all Orioles fans! Dive into the rich history of Baltimore baseball with Playbook’s Orioles collection! Relive iconic moments, from World Series victories to legendary plays! With more than 12,000 five-star reviews – they’re perfect for game day gatherings or as a great gift for fellow fans!
Order yours today, and bring the magic of Camden Yards home! Use code BaltimoreBattery at checkout to get 20% off your order!
What are your thoughts on the 2023 season and what’s gone on during the early offseason thus far? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Stephen’s content? Follow him on X – @SRJHeckman, and listen to the official podcast of The Baltimore Battery, The Final Strike, anywhere you get your podcasts!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment