The Baltimore Orioles’ offseason has been a rollercoaster. While they addressed the need for right-handed power by signing outfielder Tyler O’Neill and catcher Gary Sanchez, they also suffered significant losses. O’Neill fills the void left by Anthony Santander, who signed a blockbuster deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, while Sanchez replaces James McCann as Adley Rutschman’s backup, potentially seeing designated hitter time.
However, the pitching staff remains a concern. Losing ace Corbin Burnes, who joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a six-year, $210 million deal, leaves a significant gap. Baltimore added veterans Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano for rotation depth, but the team lacks a true ace. The current rotation includes Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer, with Albert Suarez and Trevor Rogers providing additional options. Injured pitchers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells may also return, but none of these options are of ace caliber.
The Orioles’ situation could improve with a trade involving the Seattle Mariners, a team rich in pitching talent. Baltimore’s surplus of young hitters makes them ideal trade partners. Top prospect Coby Mayo, for instance, is blocked at the Major League level by Ryan O’Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle at first base and Jordan Westburg at third. Even the designated hitter role is crowded, with Heston Kjerstad competing for time.
While trading Mayo might sting, acquiring an ace is crucial for Baltimore to compete in the American League. If Mayo is off-limits, Ryan Mountcastle could serve as a centerpiece for a deal targeting one of Seattle’s lesser-known pitchers. However, a bold move for an ace is what the Orioles truly need to elevate their rotation and solidify their status as contenders.
