MLB Power Rankings: Post Winter Meetings

22. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles went into the Winter Meetings hoping to make progress in their search for three starting pitchers to fill out their rotation for 2018. On the eve of the session, the Orioles were hit with the gutpunch that the New York Yankees had pulled off a blockbuster trade for Giancarlo Stanton. With the Yankees already ahead of schedule with their young lineup and starting rotation, the growing sense that the Orioles window to contend was over went from a nagging thought in the back of Dan Duquette’s head to an all-consuming realization.

Instead of meetings with free-agent starters at the Winter Meetings, the Orioles began fielding trade offers for All-Star third baseman Manny Machado. At least ten teams made competitive offers, but no deal was struck. Owner Peter Angelos is reluctant to trade his superstar to the Yankees, but he may have no choice but to take the best deal that is presented to him.

If being forced to confront the reality that trading their superstar is the only option, the Orioles also have to deal with the news that Zach Britton has ruptured his Achilles and could be out until July or August. Remember, Angelos turned down a very good package of prospects from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline and kept Britton. The Astros turned around and used a few of the same pieces to go get Justin Verlander. It was a very good offer for Britton, and now the Orioles will get nothing for him barring a miracle.

The Orioles need to begin a complete rebuild, but it’s unlikely the owner, who meddles more than anyone since George Steinbrenner, will allow it. I foresee a bunch of 90-loss seasons in the future for the orange and black.