The Baltimore Orioles are having a disappointing 2025 season up to this point. After a sluggish start, they fired manager Brandon Hyde in hopes of igniting a change.
Moreover, general manager Mike Elias has been the subject of heavy criticism for his failure to spend big money on free agents.
The Orioles signed veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson to a one-year deal before the season, only to part ways with him in May after four rough outings.
Orioles slugger Tyler O'Neill has been injured often since signing a three-year deal worth $49 million, and veteran catcher Gary Sanchez has also been a miss and is on the IL.
But, Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. voiced some strong support for Elias. Ripken was at the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation - Nike RBI partnership event at The Harry & Jeanette Family Center Y at Stadium Place and discussed Elias, per Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
"Mike's our guy. He's the architect that brought winning baseball back...You got to trust your guy. Trust Mike. It was a tough decision. I know that he agonized over it and thought about it. But I think in the end, he thought a change was necessary at that time."
The Orioles made the playoffs in 2023 and 2024 after missing the postseason for the previous six years, so Ripken gave Elias a lot of credit for that turnaround.
So, despite a rough season for the Orioles, Ripken is standing by Elias.
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