Late last week, the Orioles added the veteran right-hander Charlie Morton in their exchange combination for a one-year contract. On paper, the addendum (corresponding to the club’s annual contract no Tomoyuki Sugano early last month) will appear to fill their rotation. Things may not be that simple, however, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported this morning that Baltimore remains in the market for an upgrade even after adding Morton to their rotation mix.
As Rosenthal noted, the Orioles already have a deep rotation mix as things stand. Morton and Sugano were joined Zach Eflin again Grayson Rodriguez as locks for the team’s rotation next year, with Dean Kremer ready to round out the first five. Rosenthal suggests that he is a seasoned traveler Albert Suárez He could step in as the club’s sixth starter if the Orioles opt to rotate six players this year, but even if they stick with five starters Suárez figures to slot into the bullpen as a swing man who can bounce back as needed. Kade Povich, Trevor Rogersagain Chayce McDermott they are all available as depth options behind that team, too.
If Baltimore were to add another starter, it seems like Kremer would be the odd man out. The right-hander made 24 starts for the Orioles last year and produced respectable results, with a 4.10 ERA (92 ERA+) and 4.32 FIP in 129 2/3 innings of work. That’s solid production for a fifth starter, but those numbers also shouldn’t prevent the Orioles from improving their rotation mix and taking Kremer out of the picture. After all, the right-hander has been at least slightly below average in ERA+ average in every season of his career except 2022, when he posted an impressive 3.23 ERA in 125 1/3 innings for a career year.
Kremer, who is eligible for the first time in his career this winter, has a minor league option remaining that could give the Orioles some flexibility if the club decides to add to its rotation. Speaking of speculation, however, it’s also possible that the club could consider offering the right-hander as part of a return for a starter on the trade market. Kremer has three seasons of team control left, so you’re giving him away for a recruiting pitcher Dylan Cease it would be a risky move given the fact that Morton, Sugano, and Eflin are all already ticketed for free agency next winter. That said, it seems possible that Kremer could make sense as part of a controllable arm return Luis Castillo or Pablo López.
Rosenthal previously reported that the Mariners have been quiet about dealing Castillo given their depth in the rotation after the top five, which would make the Orioles an excellent trade partner if they were willing to deal Kremer or one of their young arms like Povich. available. Rosenthal reports that the Mariners need major league talent to replace Castillo’s services this winter, while noting that Baltimore seems reluctant to deal with a stockpile of young position players. Maybe a package centered around Kremer and a first baseman Ryan Mountcastle it would make sense for both parties, therefore, to give Seattle two arbitration-level players with multi-year control while giving the Orioles the controllable, leadoff starter they’ve been looking for.
Of course, the trade market isn’t the only way Baltimore can improve its rotation. Former Oriole Jack Flaherty he is still available on the free market, and the club had been in constant contact with him prior to the club’s deal with Morton. If the Orioles remain in the market for a rotation upgrade even after adding Morton to the fold, it makes sense that Flaherty remains a fit for the club’s needs despite recent reports that the club may balk at the righty’s asking price. . Flaherty looks set to receive a multi-year deal this winter, with reports suggesting he is keen on a five-year deal. Such an addition would give Baltimore more certainty in their rotation through 2026 and beyond by allowing them to produce a starting five that includes Flaherty, Rodriguez, and Kremer next season on the sidelines. Kyle Bradishlikely to return from elbow surgery sometime in the second half of this year.
Moving beyond the possibility of further rotation improvements, Rosenthal added that the Orioles hope to add to their bullpen mix this winter. The biggest addition to Baltimore’s relief position will certainly be a returning closer Felix Bautista from Tommy John surgery, but it makes sense that the club could use at least one veteran arm to join Seranthony Domínguez, Yennier Cano, Keegan Akinagain Gregory Soto among the club’s potential late options ahead of Bautista. Although Baltimore has not been directly linked to any specific providers in this year’s free agent market, they think they will benefit from the fact that there has been little movement in the relief market so far this winter if the club decides to stop adding to the bullpen. to help until later in the winter.
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