Baltimore could try to make these players Orioles again

The Baltimore Orioles are continuously planning for the future. Since their season is over, the only thing they can do is work on improving for the future.

But sometimes in order to move forward, you need to take a step backwards first. Every team has players that they have traded away, lost in free agency, or simply released that went on to outperform expectations, making their former team regret its decision.

Sometimes you get a second chance. Players like Eddie Murray, Jeff Conine and Rick Dempsey all left Baltimore only to return years later. Here are three more former Orioles that the Birds might try to bring back to the nest.

Jack Flaherty could be a good fit for the Orioles’ rotation

The Orioles made a big move when they traded for Jack Flaherty in 2023. The righty was having a down year but the Orioles were hoping the change of scenery could help him return to his 2019 form when he finished 4th in Cy Young voting.

Unfortunately, the move flopped. Flaherty eventually lost his spot in the rotation and the O’s didn’t pursue him when his contract expired. One year later, Flaherty was in a similar position. He was having a bounce back season with Detroit when he was traded at the deadline to the LA Dodgers.

This time Flaherty thrived and pitched brilliantly as the Dodgers’ NLCS Game One starter. He will again be a free agent after the season and the Birds are looking for pitching. Flaherty’s not the lockdown ace the O’s could be looking for but he would give them a nice 1-2-3 with Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin.

Tanner Scott would give the Orioles a fearsome 1-2 punch in the bullpen

Scott began his major league career with the Orioles in 2017 and pitched in Baltimore for parts of five seasons. He always had great stuff, he just couldn’t put it all together.

Scott joined the Marlins in 2022 and has been lights out since. This season Scott made the All-Star team for the first time in his career and was one of the games best closers.

He will be looking to hit it big with this contract and the Birds will need to give him closer’s money if they want to sign him.

The Orioles are getting Felix Bautista back and pairing him with Scott would give the O’s a righty / lefty combination at the end of the bullpen that would terrify opposing hitters. The payroll is expected to increase in 2025 and Scott could be worth the investment.

Christian Walker would be a major upgrade for Orioles lineup

In 2014-15 Christian Walker was a very exciting prospect in the Orioles system. However, the horrific re-signing of Chris Davis, coupled with the addition of Mark Trumbo and Trey Mancini’s rise through the minors, made Walker expendable.

He was put on waivers and eventually picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks where he has blossomed into a star first baseman. As good as Ryan Mountcastle has been since winning the Orioles first base job, Walker has been better.

In a head to head comparison, Walker has outproduced Mountcastle in virtually every category and has won two gold gloves in that time.

There has been talk about trading Mountcastle and Walker would be a clear upgrade. Walker could be the veteran leader this team has been missing with the added benefit of having experienced postseason success. It’s time to bring him home.