The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as a potential landing spot for several former starting pitchers, as they look to strengthen their rotation and bolster their chances in the competitive American League East. While the team has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in terms of rebuilding their farm system and improving their offense, pitching remains an area of concern. The Orioles have some solid arms, but adding a seasoned veteran to their starting rotation could provide both stability and leadership, giving their younger pitchers the opportunity to develop in a less pressure-filled environment.
The team’s success in recent years has been largely attributed to their rebuilding efforts, which have focused on player development, analytics, and making the most out of their resources. However, the rotation still lags behind other teams in the division. The potential acquisition of a former starting pitcher—especially one who can contribute immediately—could be the piece the Orioles need to take their team to the next level.
The State of the Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have made substantial progress in recent seasons. After several years of struggling, the team is starting to see the fruits of their rebuild. Their offense, which was once a major weakness, has blossomed with the emergence of young stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Additionally, players like Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, and Austin Hays have become consistent contributors, providing both power and contact ability to the lineup.
On the pitching side of things, the Orioles have experienced mixed results. Their starting rotation has featured some up-and-coming talent, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued the team. Young pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer have shown promise but lack the experience to be relied upon as front-line starters for an entire season. As a result, the Orioles have found themselves searching for more stability in the rotation, which is one of the most crucial aspects of a competitive team.
The team has also made moves to bolster their pitching staff through both trades and free-agent signings. However, adding an experienced starter who can contribute immediately is still an area of focus for the organization. In this context, signing a former starting pitcher—one with a proven track record and leadership experience—would not only provide valuable depth but also improve the overall performance of the pitching staff.
The Case for Adding a Veteran Starter
The addition of a veteran starting pitcher to the Baltimore Orioles’ roster could provide a significant boost for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it would offer much-needed stability to a rotation that has often been unpredictable. Veterans bring with them an understanding of the nuances of pitching at the major league level, including how to handle high-pressure situations, manage innings over a full season, and remain effective when facing some of the league’s best hitters.
A former starting pitcher would also provide a mentor figure for the Orioles’ younger pitchers, such as Rodriguez and Kremer, who could learn from the veteran’s experience and insights. Pitching in the major leagues is a different animal compared to the minor leagues, and having someone with experience who has been through the ups and downs of a full season can help accelerate the development of the team’s younger arms.
Additionally, a seasoned starter could provide leadership both in the clubhouse and on the field. The Orioles are a relatively young team, and having a player with experience in high-leverage games and postseason atmospheres would be invaluable. This type of leadership cannot be overstated—having a veteran who knows how to stay calm under pressure and who can serve as a role model for younger players can make a big difference in the overall culture of the team.
Moreover, a former starting pitcher would not only provide depth to the rotation but could also be a crucial asset during the grind of a long season. Injuries are inevitable, especially for pitchers, and adding a proven arm would help mitigate the risk of overloading the younger pitchers in the system. In this regard, the Orioles would be in a stronger position to weather the inevitable ups and downs of the season and potentially even make a run at the postseason.
Candidates for the Orioles’ Rotation
While the Orioles are often linked to younger and more cost-controlled pitchers through trades or internal development, they are also keeping an eye on established veterans who could provide immediate value. There are a number of former starting pitchers who could fit this mold, either through free agency or via trade. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely candidates.
1. Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto is a pitcher with significant experience in the major leagues. The 38-year-old has been effective when healthy and would provide the Orioles with a steady hand in the rotation. Cueto’s ability to pitch deep into games, coupled with his experience in postseason play, could make him an attractive option for a team like the Orioles that is on the cusp of contention. Cueto’s veteran presence would not only bolster the rotation but could help provide much-needed stability.
2. Zack Greinke
Zack Greinke is another veteran who could fit well in the Orioles’ rotation. At 40 years old, Greinke is in the twilight of his career, but he remains one of the most consistent pitchers in the game. Though he is no longer the ace he once was, Greinke could still be effective as a back-end starter. His experience and track record of success in the major leagues would be invaluable to a young Orioles team looking to make a playoff push. Greinke’s ability to manage the game, combined with his high baseball IQ, would be a great asset to the Orioles’ rotation.
3. James Paxton
James Paxton has dealt with injuries in recent seasons but has the potential to be a major contributor when healthy. When he’s at his best, Paxton is an elite left-handed starter capable of missing bats and pitching deep into games. If the Orioles could take a chance on Paxton, they might reap significant rewards. His injury history could be a concern, but if the Orioles can manage his workload, he could be a difference-maker in the rotation.
4. Chris Sale
Another intriguing name in free agency is Chris Sale. While Sale has had his fair share of injury problems over the past few years, he is still a dominant pitcher when healthy. The Orioles could target Sale as a potential high-risk, high-reward signing. If they could manage his health and keep him on the mound for a full season, Sale could be the ace they desperately need to lead their pitching staff into the postseason.
The Orioles’ Long-Term Outlook
The addition of a former starting pitcher would also help the Orioles in the long term. While the team’s primary focus is on building a sustainable, successful franchise, having a veteran starter would give the younger pitchers time to develop. It would also allow the front office to continue to focus on adding key pieces to both the pitching staff and the lineup, knowing that the veteran starter could carry the load for at least a season or two.
A former starting pitcher would give the Orioles a chance to remain competitive while also continuing to develop their younger players. This blend of experience and youth could be a winning formula for a team that is aiming for long-term success, and the addition of an experienced arm could be the final piece of the puzzle.
