Orioles Encouraged to Target a Frontline Starting Pitcher
The Baltimore Orioles, who have already begun reshaping their roster by acquiring power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward from the Angels in exchange for Grayson Rodriguez, still have major needs to address this offseason. President of baseball operations Mike Elias is expected to pursue a top-tier starting pitcher, along with a closer and additional bullpen help.
Earlier this week, MLB insider Mark Feinsand emphasized that Baltimore must land a true No. 1 starter.
“The Orioles need at least one frontline starting pitcher,” Feinsand said. “Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, maybe Michael King—one of those guys has to be on their radar. They didn’t replace Corbin Burnes last year, and it cost them. I expect Mike Elias to spend on a top option. You could also include Tatsuya Imai in that group.”
Following playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore stumbled in 2025—firing manager Brandon Hyde in May and finishing last in the AL East. Their failure to re-sign Burnes, combined with not adding another ace, proved costly.
While the Orioles boast a promising core of position players—Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Ward, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, and others—the pitching staff has multiple gaps. Valdez would cost only money to acquire, whereas trading for Cease or King would also require surrendering a draft pick to the Padres due to their rejected qualifying offers.
Baltimore wasn’t fully relying on Rodriguez because of his long-term injury issues, but moving him still thinned their rotation. As of now, the projected starters include Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, Tyler Wells, and Cade Povich. It’s evident the Orioles must add a true top-of-the-rotation arm to strengthen the group.
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