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Orioles Must Fix Pitching Depth After Offseason Reality Check
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- Orioles Must Fix Pitching Depth After Offseason Reality Check
Jamie LeBlanc-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Orioles missed their mark in 2026 and now face a critical offseason. They sold at the trade deadline but will not rebuild. Instead, they must fix a pitching rotation that lacks depth and address the loss of key free agents. According to MLB Trade Rumors , the team has $86.375 million committed for 2027, yet the starting pitching situation looks shaky without major additions.
Mike Elias built a contender in 2023 by stacking young talent, but that foundation is cracking. The 2023 club won 101 games before losing in the ALDS. The 2024 team fell to 91 wins. Now, the 2026 squad fell short again. The front office cannot rely on the same formula. They need to secure the rotation before the season starts, or the window for contention closes fast.
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Rotation Locks and Free Agent Risks
The Orioles have three pitchers who are likely locks for the 2027 rotation. Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, and Brandon Young are the only names with guaranteed spots. That leaves a massive hole for the other two starters. The team risks losing Trevor Rogers and Chris Bassitt to free agency in the coming months. Per MLB Trade Rumors, these departures would leave the rotation dangerously thin. If the team does not replace them, they will struggle to compete.
Cade Povich is one name who could step up, but his track record is mixed. He underwent elbow surgery on Wednesday to remove loose bodies, according to Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training. Povich had a 4.38 ERA in the majors last year but struggled with a 6.28 ERA in Triple-A. His strikeout rate was 17.5 percent, which is below average. He needs to prove he can handle a full season as a starter.
Money and Contract Decisions
The financial picture is clear. The Orioles have $380.125 million in total future commitments. They have $86.375 million tied up for 2027 alone. This leaves limited room to sign top-tier free agents. The team must make smart choices with option decisions. Zach Eflin has a $25 million mutual option with a $2 million buyout. Luis Robert Jr. has a $20 million club option. Ryan Mountcastle has a $7.5 million club option with no buyout. These decisions will define the roster.
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Pete Alonso is locked in at $124 million through 2030. Kyle Bradish is secure at $90 million through 2031. Samuel Basallo has $61 million through 2033. The team has invested heavily in these players. They cannot afford to waste this investment. The front office must find value in the free agent market or trade for depth. Waiting for internal options to fix the rotation is a risky plan.
The Path to 2027
The Orioles are not rebuilding, but they are not a finished product either. They need to address the pitching depth immediately. The loss of Rogers and Bassitt would be a blow if not replaced. Povich has the chance to earn a spot, but his elbow surgery adds uncertainty. The team has the money to make a move, but they must be smart. The 2023 core showed what is possible. The 2026 failure shows what happens when pitching fades.
