The Baltimore Orioles’ Pursuit of Pitching Help: A Look at Their Options for 2025
As the 2025 MLB season draws closer, the Baltimore Orioles have become one of the most talked-about teams in terms of bolstering their pitching staff. With a roster filled with exciting young talent, the Orioles’ primary goal this offseason appears to be strengthening their rotation—an area that still requires some fine-tuning despite its growing depth. Last week, the Orioles took a notable step toward addressing their pitching needs by signing veteran Charlie Morton to a one-year deal. This addition provides the team with yet another experienced arm, further deepening an already competitive starting rotation.
While the Orioles have added quality depth pieces in Morton and others, they are also keeping a close eye on some high-profile names on the trade market. With reports suggesting that several top-tier pitchers could be available, the Orioles are in a position where they could make a significant upgrade if the right deal presents itself. As the team continues to evaluate its options, the need for pitching remains clear, especially as they aim to challenge for a postseason berth.
The Orioles’ Rotation: Depth with Potential
There’s no question that the Orioles’ rotation has seen considerable improvement over the last few seasons. With an infusion of talent from both free agency and their own minor league system, the team now boasts a solid mix of veterans and young arms. Right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin was brought in as a free-agent signing and adds stability to the rotation. Alongside him, Grayson Rodriguez—one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects in baseball—has the potential to emerge as a front-line starter.
Charlie Morton’s one-year deal provides more reliability to an Orioles team that has been striving for balance and consistency in its rotation. The veteran right-hander, known for his poise in big-game situations, will be expected to deliver a steady presence. Morton’s signing, combined with the likes of Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano (another free agent acquisition), and the eventual returns of Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells from injury, gives the Orioles a rotation that on paper looks far deeper than in years past.
The emergence of young talent such as Rodriguez and Kremer has been a welcome development for the Orioles, but having experienced arms like Morton and Eflin gives the team the kind of depth needed for a long season. Depth is something the Orioles understand well, and with multiple options at their disposal, the team could mix and match to find the best five-man rotation as the season progresses.
However, while the Orioles have made great strides in adding depth, they remain committed to pursuing additional starting pitching options if they can find a clear upgrade over what they currently have.
Trade Market Rumors: Could the Orioles Land a Star?
While Baltimore’s pitching depth has certainly improved, the club is not resting on its laurels. Several pitchers are currently being floated as potential trade targets, and the Orioles are reportedly one of the teams to watch in the market. Among the most talked-about names are Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo and San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease. Both pitchers are viewed as top-of-the-rotation arms, and their availability would significantly improve any team’s rotation.
There have also been whispers that emerging star Bryce Miller from the Mariners could be a potential target for Baltimore. Miller’s breakout performances in recent seasons have garnered plenty of attention, and if the Orioles can work out a trade, he could provide a young, controllable option to pair with their existing pitching talent.
While adding a star pitcher like Castillo or Cease could be a game-changer, the Orioles must also consider the price tag associated with such acquisitions. Top-of-the-rotation arms don’t come cheap, and Baltimore will need to weigh whether parting with valuable assets to acquire a high-profile pitcher makes sense for their long-term goals. It’s not just about adding a big name—it’s about finding the right fit for the team’s pitching philosophy and overall strategy.
The Arizona Diamondbacks: A Potential Trade Partner?
One team that could be in a position to unload pitching in the near future is the Arizona Diamondbacks. After making a splash in free agency by signing Corbin Burnes away from the Orioles with a six-year, $210 million deal, the Diamondbacks find themselves with a surplus of starting pitchers. Arizona’s pitching staff looks crowded, and the team may be looking to move a veteran or two to balance out its roster.
Jordan Montgomery, who struggled in 2024 after signing with Arizona, could be a prime candidate for a trade. The left-hander posted an unflattering 6.23 ERA during the season, but his 4.48 FIP indicates that he was likely the victim of some bad luck, and his true performance may not have been as poor as the raw numbers suggest. Montgomery has been a reliable arm in the past, most notably with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, so the Orioles could consider him as a bounce-back candidate if they believe he’s capable of returning to his previous form.
Nick Deeds of MLBTradeRumors suggested that the Orioles could be a fit for Montgomery, but placed them in the “longer shots” category. Deeds noted that the addition of Charlie Morton to Baltimore’s rotation likely reduces the team’s immediate need for another veteran starter. However, if the Orioles were to pursue Montgomery, they would likely need to believe he could provide a clear upgrade over their internal options, such as Dean Kremer, who posted a higher ERA+ than Montgomery in two of the past three seasons.
Could Jordan Montgomery Be the Right Fit?
Despite his struggles in 2024, Montgomery could still have value to a team like Baltimore, which has a track record of developing pitchers and maximizing their potential. The veteran lefty has shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, and a fresh start in a new environment could be just what he needs to rediscover his best form. However, if the Orioles opt to pursue Montgomery, they will need to weigh his potential upside against the risk of another down season.
In the end, the Orioles are likely to make a move for pitching only if they feel they can secure an arm that truly improves their rotation. Adding Montgomery could be a worthwhile gamble if Baltimore believes he can return to form, but unless the Orioles view him as a significant upgrade over their current options, they are more likely to continue exploring other trade opportunities.
Conclusion: More Pitching Help Could Be on the Way
As the Orioles continue to position themselves for success in 2025, their pitching staff remains one of their top priorities. The addition of Charlie Morton adds a veteran presence to an already deep rotation, and the Orioles are reportedly still in the market for an additional starter. Whether it’s via trade or another free-agent signing, the team’s focus will likely remain on finding a clear upgrade to solidify their rotation.
While Montgomery is an intriguing option, especially given his past success, the Orioles will only pursue him if they feel confident in his ability to rebound from a difficult 2024 season. With several potential trade candidates available and a strong core of pitchers already in place, the Orioles are well-positioned to make a move that strengthens their pitching staff and helps them remain competitive in the tough AL East.
As always, in the world of MLB trade rumors, anything can happen. But one thing is certain: the Orioles are paying close attention to the pitching market and will be ready to act if the right opportunity comes along.
