It’s been well documented that the Baltimore Orioles are looking for an ace or top-level starting pitcher to add to their rotation in 2024.

Their young starters Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish have loads of potential, but weren’t ready to carry the burden of being one-two starters in the 2023 playoffs.

So, general manager Mike Elias is assessing the free agent and trade markets to see who they could potentially add this offseason.

One player they were apparently interested in was Aaron Nola, who hit free agency in his career for the first time after being with the Philadelphia Phillies for nine years.

His price tag might have been out of the Orioles’ range, but there was some rumblings that they might open up the checkbook to land someone with the talent of Nola.

However, whether they were in on the ace or not doesn’t matter now after the Phillies re-signed him to a lucrative, multi-year contract.

The length of that deal might not have been what Baltimore is looking for as they are hoping Rodriguez and Bradish can become their No. 1 and No. 2 starters for the future. But right now, they would love to add an ace to this staff.

Whether they now turn their attention to other free agents or start assessing the trade market, the Orioles have to land somebody of note during the offseason.

They have a roster that is not only built for the future, but can compete right now if the pieces are in place to support their young stars.

The pitching situation will be the biggest thing to monitor as they continue navigate this offseason.