More Thoughts on the Orioles’ Hunt for Starting Pitching
Let’s be honest: anyone expecting the Orioles to walk away from the Winter Meetings with a No. 1 starter or rotation upgrade doesn’t know the team’s usual approach. Disappointment is almost inevitable.
Historically, the Orioles make smaller moves at the Winter Meetings — signing minor league free agents, making Rule 5 draft selections, and laying the groundwork for potential future deals. Last December, the surprising Craig Kimbrel signing came on the final day, but such moves are the exception. The blockbuster Corbin Burnes trade, for instance, didn’t happen until February 1, driven by urgency after Kyle Bradish was sidelined.
This year’s lack of activity has heightened fan frustration, especially with top starters quickly finding new homes via free agency or trades. Max Fried signed a record-setting $218 million deal with the Yankees, and Garrett Crochet joined the Red Sox for a hefty prospect package. Meanwhile, the Orioles remain cautious about long-term spending, mindful of balancing their immediate needs with future flexibility.
Under Mike Elias, the Orioles’ first multi-year free agent deal went to outfielder Tyler O’Neill for $49.5 million, with an opt-out after one year. Backup catcher Gary Sánchez received $8.5 million. While these signings show a willingness to spend, they’re a far cry from Fried- or Burnes-level contracts.
Even mid-rotation starters like Nathan Eovaldi are commanding big money; Eovaldi re-signed with the Rangers for three years, $75 million. Players like Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, and Nick Pivetta will require significant investment too, and demand for pitching is high across the league.
The question remains: can the Orioles return to the playoffs — or even win the division — without a true ace? Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are rehabbing from elbow surgeries, and while Grayson Rodriguez shows promise, relying solely on internal growth feels risky. The sting of consecutive first-round playoff sweeps highlights the need for a deeper rotation.
Corbin Burnes’ agent, Scott Boras, has been in regular contact with Elias and acknowledged the Orioles’ increasing willingness to invest under new ownership. Landing Burnes would be a game-changer, but it’s a massive financial leap. Manager Brandon Hyde admitted Burnes’ absence leaves a void but expressed confidence in Rodriguez’s potential to step into an ace role.
If the Orioles can’t secure a free agent ace, a trade may be their best option. Dylan Cease has re-entered trade rumors, with the Padres reportedly exploring his market. Other possibilities include Mitch Keller (Pirates), Framber Valdez (Astros), Jesús Luzardo (Marlins), and Jordan Montgomery (Diamondbacks). The Mariners, with pitchers like Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller, remain logical trade partners given their need for a right-handed corner infielder.
While trades cost prospects instead of cash, the Orioles’ top prospects — like Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, and Enrique Bradfield Jr. — may be off-limits. Rival teams’ high asking prices for top talent, as seen in the Crochet deal, complicate negotiations.
With spring training opening in February and the season starting March 27 in Toronto, the Orioles still have time to bolster their rotation. Adding at least one starter and a reliever remains likely, and strengthening the bullpen might be essential if they fail to land an ace.
Time is on their side for now, but the clock is ticking.
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