The Baltimore Orioles are entering a critical period in their pursuit of success. After a strong 2023 season, which saw the team finish with a 101-61 record, the Orioles are aiming to build on their promising trajectory. They have young talent, including their emerging stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, and an exciting mix of established veterans and up-and-coming prospects. However, one area that stands out as a potential weakness is the starting pitching rotation.
While the Orioles have a solid bullpen and an offense that can hit with power and consistency, their starting pitching depth and performance remain a key question mark heading into the 2025 season. The team currently has a mix of pitchers who have shown flashes of potential but have also experienced significant struggles. As the team looks to build a contender, acquiring a starting pitcher who can bounce back from an underwhelming period could be just what they need to put them over the top.
The Importance of Acquiring a Starting Pitcher
To understand the urgency of this need, it’s crucial to consider the role of starting pitching in building a successful team. A strong rotation provides stability, consistency, and the ability to win games even when the offense is struggling. Quality starters can give a team a chance to win almost every series, even against the toughest opponents. In addition, a pitcher who can stabilize a rotation has the ability to carry a team through the long, grueling months of the season and give them confidence during playoff runs.
The Orioles have had an inconsistent starting rotation over the past few seasons. While there have been moments of brilliance from pitchers like Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer, there are still concerns about the long-term health and effectiveness of the unit. Many of the pitchers currently in the Orioles’ rotation are relatively unproven at the top levels, and they lack the track record of a true ace. This is where the acquisition of a starter who has shown flashes of brilliance but may have been going through a rough patch could provide immediate help.
Identifying the Type of Pitcher the Orioles Need
When looking at the pool of potential starting pitchers who could bounce back, there are several qualities the Orioles should focus on:
- Health and Durability: One of the biggest issues that can derail a pitcher’s career is injury. A starting pitcher who has dealt with injuries in the past but is now healthy might be an ideal candidate for the Orioles to target. A pitcher’s health is critical, as teams depend on consistent innings from their starters to avoid overworking their bullpen. Baltimore will likely want to avoid players with chronic injury concerns but could consider those who have recovered or are on the verge of recovery.
- Previous Success: The Orioles would benefit from targeting pitchers who have had success in the past but may have fallen off due to a bad year or a rough stretch. These pitchers could be experiencing a down period due to poor mechanics, mental blocks, or simply bad luck—factors that are often fixable. Looking for pitchers who have been All-Stars, who have posted strong ERA numbers in the past, or who have been top-tier performers at some point in their careers could offer a chance to buy low on a pitcher with significant upside.
- Potential for Bounce-Back: The key trait here is the potential for a rebound. This might include pitchers who have made significant mechanical adjustments, pitchers who have shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, or pitchers who may benefit from a change of scenery. The Orioles will want to look for pitchers who have the tools to return to form, and the right coaching staff could help unlock that potential.
- Youth and Control: While the Orioles may be interested in veterans who have bounced back before, they should also focus on younger pitchers who might just be experiencing growing pains. These pitchers could offer multiple years of control and the possibility of developing into a core piece for the team. Acquiring someone in their mid-to-late 20s with upside can also help keep the Orioles competitive beyond just 2025.
Potential Targets for the Orioles
There are several pitchers who could fit this description, and while their availability will depend on market conditions, their skill sets, and their recent performances, some notable candidates stand out as potential fits for the Orioles’ needs.
1. Carlos Carrasco (New York Mets)
Carlos Carrasco is a pitcher who has experienced both significant success and struggles in recent years. After a strong 2021 campaign in which he posted a 3.97 ERA over 157 innings, Carrasco struggled in 2023. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his efforts, resulting in a lackluster performance. However, at his best, Carrasco has been a reliable mid-rotation starter with excellent command and the ability to induce weak contact.
The Orioles could potentially acquire Carrasco at a reasonable cost, given his down 2023 season. A fresh start in Baltimore could help Carrasco regain his form, especially with the Orioles’ coaching staff focusing on refining his mechanics. Carrasco also has a veteran presence and could be a solid mentor for younger pitchers on the team.
2. Chris Sale (Boston Red Sox)
Chris Sale, once one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, has experienced a significant decline due to injuries and inconsistency. However, when healthy, Sale still possesses a devastating fastball and slider combination that can neutralize any lineup. Despite his struggles in recent years, Sale has shown flashes of his former self and could be another high-risk, high-reward acquisition for the Orioles.
Given Sale’s injury history and down seasons, the Orioles might be able to acquire him for a relatively low price. His pedigree as a former ace and his potential to return to form could be an intriguing option for the Orioles, especially if they can help him stay healthy.
3. Lucas Giolito (Free Agent)
Lucas Giolito is a free agent who has had an up-and-down career, but he has shown the ability to be a front-line starter in the past. After a breakout 2021 season, Giolito struggled in 2022 and 2023. His velocity and command have been inconsistent, but Giolito has a strong track record and still has the potential to bounce back.
With the Orioles potentially in the market for a free-agent starting pitcher, Giolito could be a prime target. He’s still young (30 years old), and a change of scenery and coaching staff could be just what he needs to return to being a top-tier starter. His ability to eat innings and his high strikeout potential would be valuable for the Orioles’ rotation.
4. Kenta Maeda (Minnesota Twins)
Kenta Maeda is a pitcher who has experienced both success and setbacks due to injuries over the past few seasons. However, when healthy, Maeda is a reliable starter who can provide solid innings and control. He has a unique mix of pitches and has shown the ability to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in the past.
For the Orioles, Maeda could be a potential bargain if the Twins decide to part ways with him. Maeda’s veteran presence and ability to bounce back after injuries could make him an intriguing option for the Orioles as they look to add depth to their rotation.
5. Jack Flaherty (St. Louis Cardinals)
Jack Flaherty is another example of a once-promising young pitcher who has had his career derailed by injuries and inconsistency. Flaherty has shown the potential to be a frontline starter, with excellent velocity and movement on his pitches. However, his health has been a major issue, and his performance has taken a hit as a result.
If the Orioles can acquire Flaherty for a reasonable price, he could be a great project for the team. His ability to get swing-and-miss stuff, combined with a potential for growth under the right coaching, makes him an enticing candidate for a bounce-back season.
