5 things that didn't work out as planned for the Orioles in 2023

Acquiring Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline

This one didn't work out very well at all. With the Orioles seeking pitching reinforcements at the trade deadline, Mike Elias pulled the trigger on a trade that sent Drew Rom, César Prieto, and Zack Showalter to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jack Flaherty in the hopes that he could be what Cole Irvin wasn't, a reliable arm in the middle or back of the rotation.

After his first start was great and his second start was good, things fell apart for Flaherty with the Orioles. He ended the season with a 6.75 ERA and 1.673 WHIP with seven home runs allowed in 34 2/3 innings and was demoted to a mop up role in the bullpen near the end of the season.

Flaherty hit free agency at the start of the offseason and didn't return to Baltimore, signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in December as he looks to have a rebound season. This one didn't work out for anyone, as Rom struggled big time in the majors and Showalter only pitched one inning after the trade. At least Prieto had a solid stretch with the Cardinals Triple A squad.

Colton Cowser's first taste of the majors

In early July, the Orioles opted to call up prized outfield prospect Colton Cowser as they were going through a rough patch at the time and hoped Cowser could spark the offense. That didn't exactly happen, as Cowser got just seven hits in 77 plate appearances, though his 13 walks were a positive.

After 26 games, Cowser was optioned to Triple A in August as he hadn't done enough to stick at the major league level and was struggling immensely. He came back up for a few days in September but didn't appear in a game before being sent down again.

The future is still bright for Colton Cowser, and he'll get every chance to prove he can be a valuable major league player as he has a chance to crack the opening day roster in 2024. But there's no denying his first taste of the majors was underwhelming at best.