Rumors: Baltimore Orioles likely won’t pursue these free agent pitchers
By Kevin Henry
While the Baltimore Orioles are looking to add veteran pitchers to their rotation for 2023, there is reportedly a limit to which the Orioles will spend to make those options a reality.
Baltimore Orioles rumors: “Tiers” of pitchers determine which ones are really in play for team in 2023
According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, the Baltimore Orioles are indeed looking for “multiple veteran starting pitchers” to supplant a rotation that will look different than the one that helped the Orioles to an 83-79 mark last season. Jordan Lyle led the Baltimore rotation in wins with 12, but the 31-year-old right-hander will not be back with the Orioles this season. Instead, Baltimore will look outside the organization for veteran pitching … at the right price.
In his mailbag, Kubatko is asked about the possibility of Carlos Rodon being a part of the Baltimore rotation in 2023. That’s where the thought of “tiers” come in for the Orioles, with the top tier of free agent pitchers including Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, and Rodon. That top tier is likely out of Baltimore’s price range, Kubatko writes.
"“[Rodon]’s in the top tier. The Orioles may float some offers, as I’ve said, but they’ll be much more aggressive on the second and third levels. Upgrades are available. To say they’re ‘fishing in the deep end’ of free agency doesn’t mean they’re ready to break the bank. It means they’re talking to agents and getting an accurate read on the prices. Never hurts to do that.”"
That second level could include former Oakland A’s and New York Mets pitcher Chris Bassitt, with Kubatko calling him, “a second-tier guy who could start near or at the top of the rotation.” MLBTradeRumors projects Bassitt landing a three-year, $60 million contract, much lower than the Max Scherzer-type deals that deGrom and Verlander will likely receive.
Next. 3 players for the Orioles to target this offseason. dark
It appears the Orioles will be looking to boost their rotation with more than one impact pitcher this offseason, focusing their resources on multiple pitchers rather than just one in the rotation.