Another record-setting Orioles international class could herald a year where the program at last makes its mark

There's no holding feet to the fire in something that takes so long in the best of circumstances. An impact this year, however, could brighten the Orioles' outlook going forward.

The Orioles are expected to cross into a new strata of international amateur spending this weekend when the next class of teenage free agents signs, with Baseball America reporting an expected agreement worth more than $2 million with shortstop Luis Almeyda.

It will be a high point for the international scouting program, to be sure, but they’d probably prefer 2023 be known for another thing. 

Could this be the year the amount of talent they’ve added in the last few seasons becomes evident across their farm system?