![\"Orioles](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/ybmedia\/image\/upload\/c_crop,e_improve,h_900,w_1600,x_0,y_0\/c_fill,f_auto,h_900,q_auto,w_1600\/v1\/m\/8\/7\/8782989a3e38b833b9c0475dd01d31219167476b\/Zach-Eflin-during-a-game-in-2025.jpg\")
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The Baltimore Orioles are determined to ensure that the frustrations of the 2025 season do not carry over into 2026.<\/p>\n
After entering last year with postseason expectations, Baltimore never found consistent footing. Several highly regarded prospects underperformed, and more critically, the starting pitching rotation failed to provide stability. The result was a season-long struggle that forced the front office to reassess its priorities.<\/p>\n
That reassessment has already led to action \u2014 and possibly more on the way.<\/p>\n
One of the Orioles\u2019 primary offseason objectives was improving their starting pitching, and they made an early statement by acquiring Shane Baz<\/strong> from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 26-year-old right-hander came at a significant cost \u2014 four prospects \u2014 but Baltimore clearly views him as a foundational piece moving forward.<\/p>\n Baz brings upside, youth, and postseason-caliber stuff when healthy, qualities the Orioles\u2019 rotation lacked throughout much of 2025. Still, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic<\/strong>, the Orioles believe their work is not finished.<\/p>\n Baltimore may be stronger on paper, but \u201cadequate\u201d isn\u2019t the standard they\u2019re aiming for.<\/p>\n Speaking on the Orioles\u2019 pitching situation, Rosenthal revealed that the organization internally views its rotation as serviceable \u2014 but not dominant.<\/p>\n \u201cThey view their rotation as \u2018adequate\u2019. Well, \u2018adequate\u2019 is not necessarily where they want to be,\u201d Rosenthal said. \u201cThey\u2019re in a good spot right now, a much better spot than they were.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n As currently constructed, Baltimore\u2019s projected rotation includes:<\/p>\n Trevor Rogers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Kyle Bradish<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Shane Baz<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Zach Eflin<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dean Kremer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n While that group offers depth and variety, it lacks a clear, proven ace \u2014 the type of arm capable of controlling a postseason series. That\u2019s the missing piece Baltimore appears determined to add.<\/p>\n \u201cThey need one more [pitcher] to fit toward the top of their rotation,\u201d Rosenthal added.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n One major advantage working in Baltimore\u2019s favor is flexibility.<\/p>\n Despite already committing significant resources to their offense \u2014 most notably the high-profile signing of Pete Alonso<\/strong> \u2014 the Orioles still possess one of the deeper farm systems in baseball. That gives them leverage in both free agency<\/strong> and the trade market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to Rosenthal, several frontline-caliber starters remain unsigned, including:<\/p>\n Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/strong> (Philadelphia Phillies)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Framber Valdez<\/strong> (Houston Astros)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Both left-handers would immediately elevate Baltimore\u2019s rotation, but questions remain about how much payroll room the Orioles have after their aggressive winter spending.<\/p>\n If free agency proves too expensive, Baltimore could again turn to the trade market \u2014 a strategy that paid dividends previously with the acquisition of Corbin Burnes<\/strong> from the Milwaukee Brewers.<\/p>\n Rosenthal identified several intriguing trade candidates:<\/p>\n Freddy Peralta<\/strong> (Milwaukee Brewers)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Edward Cabrera<\/strong> (Miami Marlins)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n MacKenzie Gore<\/strong> (Washington Nationals)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Each pitcher brings a different risk-reward profile, but all represent a significant upgrade over the Orioles\u2019 current back-end rotation options.<\/p>\n The Orioles\u2019 offensive core is already built to contend.<\/p>\n With Gunnar Henderson<\/strong>, Adley Rutschman<\/strong>, Jackson Holliday<\/strong>, and Pete Alonso<\/strong> anchoring the lineup, Baltimore no longer needs to manufacture runs \u2014 they can overwhelm opponents. What they need is pitching that prevents games from getting away early.<\/p>\n Adding a true top-of-the-rotation starter would:<\/p>\n Reduce pressure on younger arms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Improve bullpen usage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Provide postseason stability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Signal full commitment to contention<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In a competitive American League East, marginal upgrades won\u2019t be enough. Baltimore knows that to compete with teams like the Yankees, Rays, and Astros, \u201cadequate\u201d simply won\u2019t cut it.<\/p>\n The Shane Baz trade was a strong start, but all signs point to Baltimore remaining aggressive.<\/p>\n With prospect capital still available and a clear understanding of their shortcomings, the Orioles are positioning themselves for a decisive strike \u2014 whether through free agency or another blockbuster trade.<\/p>\n If Baltimore lands one more high-end starter, the narrative surrounding the franchise could shift dramatically in 2026 \u2014 from rebound candidate to legitimate World Series contender.<\/p>\n And based on Ken Rosenthal\u2019s reporting, it appears that move may only be a matter of time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Baltimore Orioles Still Hunting for a Frontline Starter as 2026 Playoff Push Takes Shape The Baltimore Orioles are determined to ensure that the frustrations of the 2025… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":135942,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nOrioles See Current Rotation as \u201cAdequate,\u201d Not Championship-Caliber<\/h2>\n
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\nOrioles Have Options in a Crowded Starting Pitcher Market<\/h2>\n
Free-Agent Targets Still Available<\/h3>\n
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\nTrade Market Could Mirror Past Success<\/h3>\n
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\nWhy One More Starter Could Change Everything for Baltimore<\/h2>\n
![\"Orioles,](\"https:\/\/assets.newsweek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2686263-baltimore-orioles-outfielder-ryan-ohearn.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1\")
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\nFinal Outlook: Orioles Not Done Making Moves<\/h2>\n