Orioles general manager Mike Elias shared updates on the team’s offseason plans during a video call with reporters, including changes to Camden Yards’ outfield dimensions. The left field wall will be significantly shortened, moving closer to home plate by up to 20 feet, with the deepest distance reduced from 398 feet to 376 feet. The new wall will also be lower, ranging from 6’11” to 9 feet in height. Elias said the goal is to create a more balanced, neutral playing environment after previous changes in 2022 made the park too pitcher-friendly.
Elias acknowledged that the 2022 wall height increase, which coincided with improved pitching and three straight winning seasons for the Orioles, had unintended consequences, making Camden Yards more difficult for right-handed hitters. The new dimensions aim to fix these issues without skewing too far in favor of one side.
Regarding pitching, Elias confirmed the Orioles are exploring all options for upgrades, including high-end free agents. With pitching depth a key need, the team is eyeing top targets like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and possibly Garrett Crochet. While the Orioles now have more financial flexibility under new ownership, Elias emphasized they won’t be recklessly spending but will remain open to all possibilities to improve the roster.
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