Orioles Face Pitching Woes Despite Strong Start: Could a Major Trade Be the Solution?
Despite a promising start with 12 wins in their first 19 games, the Baltimore Orioles’ outlook is clouded by pitching inconsistency. With pitching concerns looming, could a blockbuster trade be the remedy?
The Orioles are in a unique position to make such a move, boasting four of MLB’s top-100 prospects in their system. ESPN’s David Schoenfield linked Baltimore to Seattle Mariners ace Logan Gilbert in an April 16 column, suggesting that trading Gilbert, who is under team control through 2026, could provide the Orioles with the impact hitter their lineup desperately needs. Potential trade partners include the Orioles, Cubs, Yankees, and Dodgers.
Gilbert, who has started four games for Seattle in 2024, has shown promise with 29 strikeouts and an average 2.33 ERA, despite allowing four home runs. His addition would bolster Baltimore’s starting rotation, especially following their acquisition of Corbin Burnes in February.
However, Gilbert is poised for a significant contract extension, with projections estimating a nine-year deal worth $238 million, averaging $26.4 million annually. Comparatively, Burnes, the Orioles’ top-of-the-rotation starter, is earning $15.6 million this season.
As a Super Two player, Gilbert is eligible for arbitration, potentially complicating contract negotiations. Given the Orioles’ pitching struggles, a player of Gilbert’s caliber would be a welcome addition, especially with their bullpen facing challenges and starters like Kyle Bradish sidelined.
Baltimore’s pitching staff has been tested, giving up 22 home runs this season, with several losses attributed to pitching woes. While Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez have performed well, the rest of the starters have struggled, contributing to a middling performance overall.
Acquiring a new starter like Gilbert could provide stability to the Orioles’ mound, allowing pitchers like Tyler Wells to return to relief pitching and elevating the team’s overall performance. However, the Orioles must weigh the cost of trading prospects for immediate pitching help against waiting for the return of sidelined players like Bradish, John Means, and closer Felix Bautista.
Ultimately, the Orioles face a crucial decision in addressing their pitching needs and maintaining momentum in the season.
