The Baltimore Orioles have an eye towards contending again in 2023. They are going to need to do a lot more than what they have.
Thus far, the Orioles have made what has been a typical move for them during offseasons past. They signed Kyle Gibson to a one year contract, adding another veteran arm on the type of short term deal that could make him a trade chip at the deadline.
Baltimore Orioles have to start shifting gears
It is the sort of move that makes sense for a rebuilding team. Gibson was an All Star with the Rangers in 2021 but struggled after being traded to the Phillies, posting a 5.06 ERA and a 1.323 WHiP in his 236.2 innings in Philadelphia. However, his metrics indicated that he pitched better than the numbers show, making him a possible bounce back candidate.
The problem is that this is not the type of move that is going to change the balance of power in the AL East. Gibson could be a solid addition, but he is a back of the rotation arm. The Orioles need a lot more than that if they are going to contend.
It is something that they are cognizant of. The Orioles are at least looking at the top of the shortstop market. And they have reached out to Noah Syndergaard as well, interviewing him on Friday. The front office clearly knows that there is more work to be done.
There is a difference between knowing that the team needs help and bringing that help in. For the Orioles, who feel that they are on the cusp of being able to contend, that is even more important. Now they have to actually make those moves to compete.
The Baltimore Orioles signed Kyle Gibson to a one year deal. They need to do a lot more than that if they are going to contend in 2023.