"All teams need more than five starters to get through a season in the modern game, so depth is important. Tyler Wells missed most of the past two seasons due to ulnar collateral ligament surgery but was a viable back-end starter before that. Chayce McDermott, Cade Povich and Brandon Young have roster spots but haven't clicked in the majors yet. They all have options and can be kept in Triple-A as optionable depth."
"Arguably, they need upside more than they need additional depth. They don't really have anyone you would call an ace. Rogers ended up having a great 2025, finishing with a 1.81 ERA. However, he started the season on the injured list, recovering from a right knee subluxation. Even once he was healthy, he was kept in the minors for a while. He didn't get recalled for good until June. Bradish missed most of the past two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery."
The Orioles continue to seek starting-pitching upgrades, with Lucas Giolito receiving serious consideration alongside past links to Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. The club has already made offseason rotation moves, including an acquisition from the Rays, a veteran re-signing, and trading Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward. Expected rotation pieces include Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Grayson Baz and Zach Eflin, with Dean Kremer as the likely fifth starter following consistent low-4.00s ERAs. Depth options include Tyler Wells (returning from UCL surgery), Chayce McDermott, Cade Povich, Brandon Young, minor-league veteran Albert Suárez, and top prospect Trey Gibson pushing for a 2026 debut. The roster lacks an obvious ace and would benefit more from high-upside starters than purely additional depth.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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