Don't Expect Baltimore Orioles to Change Strategy at Key Position in 2024
Coming out of the early part of the offseason when general managers gathered for their annual meetings, Baltimore Orioles GM Mike Elias didn't make any moves.
It would have been shocking if he did.
That wasn't something expected to happen entering this period of the offseason as his front office continues to formulate their plan that should keep the organization busy throughout the winter.
One thing that won't change in 2024, despite the impending moves, will be how they use their designated hitter role.
Roch Kubatko of MASN writes, "Here’s what the Orioles won’t do: Sign or trade for a full-time designated hitter. They need that spot to remain fluid as they rotate players. They won’t put up a roadblock."
The Orioles used 14 players in that role last season. Manager Brandon Hyde has used the designated hitter spot in the lineup to give his players some rest by not having them play in the field.
That seems to be the case going forward as starting catcher Adley Rutschman got the second most appearances at DH in 2023 to limit the wear and tear that comes with his position.
Projecting ahead, this could be a spot where Baltimore gets some plate appearances for their highly-touted prospects whenever they get called-up as well.
This would limit their exposure on defense and get them used to Major League pitching.
The theory surrounding the Orioles' strategy is also different from other teams.
With the universal DH across both leagues, this spot in the lineup has been given an everyday designation for some of MLB's best hitters.
Baltimore is not fitting into that mold and have their own plan with the ability to rotate players in-and-out whenever Hyde thinks they need rest.
It worked last year without any issues, enroute to winning the AL East division and having the best record in the American League.
Expect that to be the case in 2024 and beyond.
