I think Baltimore has a legit chance to sustain a competitive team multiple years.
Cleveland's success will start to diminish, IMO. They are 27-17, but their SPs are averaging just above 5.0IP/GS. They are 27% of the way through the season. I think they are doing everything they can to win today and they are going to tire and fall off in the 2nd half of the year.
Here are their RPs:
Rk in G:
1. Sandlin: 2.57, 23G, 21 IP <- Projects to 85G
2. Barlow: 3.10, 22G, 20.1 IP
2. Clase : 0.42, 22G, 21.1 IP
5. Gaddis: 2.18, 21G, 20.2 IP <- Projects to 78G
8. Smith: 2.21, 20G, 20.1 IP
18. Herrin: 0.95, 19G, 19.0 IP
2023 Top G for RPs:
T11: 78, 75, 75, 73, 72, 72, 71, 71, 71, 70, 70
I could check, but I think in most years, mid-70s is the ceiling for RP Appearances. Once you get to 80... they are way overworked.
Cleveland is currently 3rd in RP IP:
1. Oak: 172.2, 3.49 ERA, 45G
2. Tam: 172.1, 4.49 ERA, 44G
3. Cle: 169.2, 2.44 ERA, 44G
6. Hou: 162.2, 4.26 ERA, 42G
10.Tex: 149.2, 5.05 ERA, 45G
There was once a strategy of 5 RPs... 2 7th inning guys (R & L), 2 8th inning guys (R & L), and a closer. Shorten the game to 6 Innings and turn it over to the BP. That largely went away with requiring 3 batters minimum. The LHRP was diminished.
Elements are still viable, but you need SP that can get you 6 and turn it over with a lead. Cleveland doesn't have those. You also can't exhaust the RPs before they even get to the playoffs.