What kind of a job has Mike Elias done for the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question:  I hear so much negative talk about Mike Elias and do not understand why it is so vitriolic. It wasn’t Mike Elias who caused injuries to Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, Grayson Rodriguez, Jordan Westburg, Ryan Mountcastle, Gary Sánchez, and on-and-on. If those injuries had not occurred, do you think we would be having this conversation? What decision did he make (or not make) that, in your opinion, justifies firing him? From: John Newell, Annapolis

Answer: John, I don’t think Mike Elias’ job is in immediate jeopardy. If the team has another difficult season in 2026, then I think his job security could be questioned.

Had the Orioles had a healthy Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez, I don’t think we would been hearing about the team being sellers. My criticism is not drafting pitchers high enough. I also think he could have been more aggressive in the offseason to sign free-agent starters to multi-year contracts. Overall, he has done a good job, drafted position players well, made some good trades and overseen a team that went from 110 losses in 2021 to one that made the postseason in 2023 and 2024.

But the team needs to be a contender again next season.

Question: What are the odds of this club losing 100 games this season? And if so, is this the all-time disappointing season in franchise history? From: John Hall

Answer: John, I think the team would have to totally collapse for them to lose 100 games, and the odds of that happening are low, I think. Even a record of 20-40 over the last 60 games wouldn’t be a 100-loss team.

I think it’s already the most disappointing team in franchise history, a question that’s been asked several times here. To go from back-to-back postseasons to a season like this, yes, this is the most disappointing season of all.