Baltimore Orioles Boss in Line for Season's Top Award

The Baltimore Orioles shocked the baseball world when the young team with just a $60 million payroll went out and won 101 games and subsequently the American League East.

It was no happy accident. The Orioles drafted well, developed even better and then promoted at the right time. They then filled in the remaining holes with cost-effective veterans and took the AL East by storm.

Despite a disappointing exit in the American League Division Series to the eventual World Series champions Texas Rangers, it was still one of the most exciting seasons on record.

And none of it could have been done accomplished with general manager Mike Elias at the helm.

Elias was hired by Baltimore in November of 2018 and was tasked with heading up their rebuild. A prior scout and an executive who trained and learned under some of the best in the business, including a lot of time with the Houston Astros during their 2017 World Series run, Elias was the perfect man for the job in Baltimore.

And in 2023, the fruits bore gifts.

So well in fact, that according to USA Today, Elias is in line to win the coveted Executive of the Year award.

"Rangers GM Chris Young will receive the most accolades after winning the first World Series title in franchise history, Mike Elias of the Baltimore Orioles should win the Executive of the Year award with their AL East title, and Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks will be saluted for their dramatic turnaround from 110 losses two years ago to the NL pennant," writes USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

This winter will be pivotal for Elias as he is poised to make major moves in free agency and potentially the trade market. How his next moves play out will determine his legacy in Baltimore.

Published Nov 6, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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