Baltimore Orioles general manager Jared Banner addressed fans at his introductory news conference Tuesday, acknowledging their frustration after a rough couple of years. "We're frustrated too. But you have our commitment. We're going to build a winner here in Baltimore," Banner said.
Banner arrives as the front office faces considerable skepticism. The Orioles won the AL East in 2023 and were a wild-card team the following year, but two straight sub-.500 seasons have increased pressure on Mike Elias, who was hired as GM eight years ago and later became team president. Elias said the president title opened the GM spot, allowing the team to hire Banner, previously an assistant GM with the Chicago Cubs.
Under the new structure, Banner will oversee internal players and coaches, including player development, performance and health care. Elias will focus more directly on scouting and acquisitions, covering pro, international and amateur players as well as contracts. "But we will be running the whole team together," Elias said.
Banner acknowledged the struggles of young players such as Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday, which have been a significant part of the team's regression. "We're going to challenge all of our processes," he said. "And we might have to get comfortable being uncomfortable." The Orioles also face an uncertain future after trading Adley Rutschman, and a possible lockout looms. Banner also praised Elias as "one of the most talented executives in the game," and expressed appreciation for franchise legends Cal Ripken Jr. and Jim Palmer.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing