The Orioles Need Another Big Arm

While the Baltimore Orioles had a fantastic 2023 season, their biggest weakness was their starting rotation. This was evident when they were swept out of the ALDS by the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers. While winning the AL East and a playoff series is always something to relish; fans are looking for Baltimore to bring a championship back to Charm City. Teams don’t win championships without a terrific starting rotation. For the Orioles to have a deeper playoff run, they need to address their starting pitching this offseason.

The Orioles Starters Struggles

Last season, the Orioles’ success primarily was because of their potent offense. As a team, Baltimore ranked seventh in all baseball averaging just under five runs per game. The only pitchers on the Orioles staff that had an earned run average below 4.00 were Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells. Although Wells had his struggles with limiting the long ball, giving up 23 home runs. Hot prospect Grayson Rodriguez struggled so badly that he was sent down to Triple-A before being recalled in July. At the trade deadline, Baltimore acquired Jack Flaherty from the Cardinals who was a bust and had a 6.75 ERA with the team. Kyle Gibson just got over six runs of support last season and still finished with an ERA of 4.73. Gibson was recently signed as a free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Getting Exposed at the Most Crucial Time

Games are won and lost by a team’s pitching staff. Nobody has success in this league without a quality starting rotation. During the ALDS, the Texas Rangers badly exposed their flawed starting rotation and pounded Baltimore for 21 runs in three games. This would result in an anti-climactic end to Baltimore’s storybook season.

Don’t Count on a High Priced Free Agent Coming to Town

Unfortunately for Orioles fans, owner John Angelos is one of the cheapest owners in the sport. It was already a shock that he allowed Mike Elias to spend some money to sign Craig Kimbrel for $13 million. Fans shouldn’t count on being a major player for some of the high-priced starters still on the market. Baltimore’s best bet to acquire a top starting pitcher is via trade. Top starters like Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, and others are all on their team’s trade block.

General Manager Mike Elias Needs to Get Some Courage

Baltimore still has the top farm system in baseball. However, the only pitcher ranked inside their top ten prospect list is Chayce McDermott. McDermott isn’t projected to anchor a starting rotation. Not every top prospect Baltimore currently has in their system will wear the black, white, and orange uniform. Some might even become stars playing for somebody else. General Manager Mike Elias must understand that reality. It takes courage to make the big move to maximize the championship window. Baltimore has the prospect capital to get a big deal done.

Baltimore Must Make a Move to Maximize Their Contention Window

Last year, Baltimore didn’t capitalize on a big opportunity to try to maximize their contention window. Now that they know how good their team can be, there is no excuse why they shouldn’t dip into their prospect pool and make the big move. Prospect hugging is only going to hold the team back from getting that elusive World Series championship. Baltimore needs another big arm because what they have now isn’t enough.

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