Oft-injured former prospect Grayson Rodriguez was traded to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward as the Orioles looked to add more power to the lineup. Shane Baz was acquired in a separate deal with the Rays, adding a pitcher who has shown top potential in the past. Zach Eflin was re-signed to a one-year, $10 million contract and hopes to be ready for Opening day.
On paper, the Orioles have a solid rotation. Baz and Eflin will join Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers and Dean Kremer, with Tyler Wells, Albert Suarez and Cade Povich as depth options in case of injury or if Eflin needs more time to be ready.
The lack of a true top starter could prove to be the Baltimore Orioles’ biggest mistake
While the Orioles’ acquisitions improved the depth of the rotation, they did not address the lack of a true top-of-the-rotation starter. Corbin Burnes filled that role admirably in 2024 but left in free agency. Bradish has shown the potential to be the Orioles ace, having posted a 2.83 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP over his 168.2 innings, striking out 168 batters with 44 walks. However, Bradish made just 14 appearances between 2024 and 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and receiving an internal brace in his right elbow.
There are potential top-of-the-rotation options available. Framber Valdez is the type of workhorse the Orioles need to lead the rotation. Pitchers Tarik Skubal and MacKenzie Gore are reportedly on the trade block – the Orioles still have a strong crop of young players despite sending a quartet of prospects to the Rays for Baz.
Unless Bradish can prove he’s still an emerging top prospect, the Orioles’ current crop of starting pitchers consists of a collection of second- and third-starters. While this type of rotation could work in the regular season, the lack of a frontline starter could prove to be a problem in what is expected to be a tough division. The Orioles should be better, but it might not be enough.
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