The Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Baltimore, Maryland, are an organization with a storied history and a passionate fanbase. As of recent seasons, they have been on the cusp of returning to playoff contention after several years of rebuilding and retooling their roster. With the right moves, the Orioles are poised to re-enter the upper echelon of MLB teams. One of the crucial areas that the team can address to expedite this process is their starting pitching rotation.
In recent years, the Orioles’ pitching staff has been inconsistent. While they have developed a promising group of young pitchers, their starting rotation has often been a weak point. For a team looking to compete for a playoff spot and potentially a World Series championship, adding a veteran all-star starting pitcher would be an ideal move to stabilize the rotation and provide leadership to the younger players. With a budget of $15 million, the Orioles would have the financial flexibility to target a proven, experienced pitcher capable of contributing immediately.
In this article, we will explore why the Orioles should pursue a veteran all-star starting pitcher, the potential candidates that fit the budget, and the impact such a signing could have on the team’s performance in the 2025 season.
The Need for a Veteran All-Star Starting Pitcher
1. The Orioles’ Recent Struggles in the Rotation
While the Orioles have made strides in recent years, their starting rotation has been one of the main areas of concern. The team has relied heavily on young pitchers who are still developing, including names like Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer. These pitchers have shown potential, but their inconsistency has been a challenge. Young pitchers often go through growing pains in the MLB, and the Orioles need a reliable veteran presence to anchor the rotation and provide stability.
In 2024, the Orioles ranked 18th in the league in team ERA (4.23), which was far from ideal for a team aiming to compete for a playoff spot. Although their offense and bullpen were solid, the lack of a dominant starting pitcher who could go deep into games and keep the team in contention was a noticeable gap. Adding a veteran all-star starting pitcher would go a long way in addressing this issue.
2. Leadership and Mentorship for Younger Pitchers
A veteran pitcher can also provide invaluable leadership and mentorship to the Orioles’ younger pitchers. Developing a young pitching staff is an ongoing process, and having an experienced player who has navigated the ups and downs of an MLB career can be crucial to their growth. A veteran pitcher can share insights, offer advice, and help younger players learn how to handle the mental and physical challenges of the game at the highest level.
The presence of a proven all-star pitcher can also help the team’s young pitchers develop better habits, improve their pitching mechanics, and understand the importance of preparation and consistency. This leadership aspect is something that a $15 million investment in a veteran pitcher could bring to the Orioles, helping to accelerate their pitching staff’s maturation.
3. Competitive Window for the Orioles
The Orioles are entering a competitive window, with a solid core of young position players such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins. These players have the potential to be the foundation of a championship-caliber team for years to come. However, in order to contend for a postseason spot in 2025 and beyond, the Orioles need a reliable and experienced starting pitcher who can match up with the top arms in the American League (AL).
In the highly competitive AL East, which includes powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays, the Orioles need to ensure that their pitching staff can hold its own. With the right veteran pitcher, they can solidify their rotation and enhance their chances of making a deep playoff run.
4. The Financial Flexibility of $15 Million
A $15 million budget for a veteran all-star starting pitcher may seem modest in comparison to the salaries of some of the top-tier pitchers in the game, but it is still a reasonable amount that could secure a solid contributor. The Orioles have demonstrated fiscal discipline in recent years, prioritizing player development and smart roster construction over splashy signings. However, with a strong group of young players already on the roster, they now have the opportunity to make a strategic investment in a proven arm to push them over the top.
Given the Orioles’ current payroll structure, $15 million could go a long way in securing a solid veteran pitcher without breaking the bank. Additionally, this signing would not only provide immediate help for the 2025 season but could also serve as a bridge to further additions down the line as the team’s young talent continues to develop.
Potential Candidates for a $15 Million Contract
There are several veteran all-star starting pitchers who could fit the Orioles’ needs and budget. While some of the top-tier pitchers will command much higher salaries, there are still several reliable options available in the $15 million range. Below are a few potential candidates who could make sense for the Orioles.
1. Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman, the right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is known for his groundball-heavy approach and ability to induce weak contact. He has been an effective starter for many years and was named to the All-Star Game in 2023. Stroman has a career ERA of 3.51 and consistently ranks among the top pitchers in the league in terms of control and limiting hard contact.
Stroman’s ability to pitch deep into games and his veteran presence would be an asset to the Orioles. His groundball tendencies would fit well in Camden Yards, where the outfield fences are relatively short, and keeping the ball on the ground is important. With an expected salary in the $15 million range, Stroman could be an ideal fit for the Orioles, providing stability and leadership in the rotation.
2. James Paxton
James Paxton, a left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, has dealt with significant injury setbacks in his career, but when healthy, he is a dominant force. Paxton has been a key member of several playoff-contending teams, including the New York Yankees. He made the 2021 All-Star Game and has a career ERA of 3.58.
While Paxton has had injury concerns in recent years, when he’s on the mound, he has the ability to be an ace-level pitcher. A one- or two-year deal at $15 million could give the Orioles a high-upside option to anchor their rotation. If Paxton stays healthy, he could provide the Orioles with a key asset as they attempt to return to the postseason.
3. Sonny Gray
Sonny Gray, a right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has reinvented himself in recent years and emerged as one of the top pitchers in the American League. After a challenging stint with the New York Yankees, Gray found success with the Cincinnati Reds and then the Twins. In 2024, he posted a 2.79 ERA and was named an All-Star.
Gray’s strikeout ability and consistent performance would make him a valuable addition to the Orioles’ rotation. He would slot in as a reliable number-two starter behind Grayson Rodriguez and could help stabilize the staff. With an expected salary in the $15 million range, Gray could be an affordable option for the Orioles to improve their pitching depth.
The Impact on the Orioles’ 2025 Season
Adding a veteran all-star starting pitcher would have a significant impact on the Orioles’ 2025 season in several ways:
1. Increased Rotation Depth
The addition of a proven starter would allow the Orioles to strengthen their rotation and provide more depth. With a solid five-man rotation, they would be able to rest their younger pitchers more frequently, ensuring that they don’t overextend themselves in their development. The increased depth would also help the team handle injuries or setbacks to other pitchers throughout the season.
2. A Playoff-Ready Rotation
With a veteran arm anchoring the rotation, the Orioles would have a more reliable starting staff that could compete in high-stakes games. This would give them a much better chance of making the playoffs and advancing deep into October. A strong pitching staff is often the key to postseason success, and adding an experienced starter would be one of the final pieces in ensuring the team is ready for October baseball.
3. A Balanced Team
By adding a veteran pitcher, the Orioles would complete a more balanced roster. The team already has a potent offense, led by young stars like Rutschman and Henderson. A reliable rotation, combined with an explosive offense and a solid bullpen, would make the Orioles one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.
