Speculation has been swirling for weeks about the Orioles’ imminent search for a starting pitcher. The team’s depth took a hit with season-ending injuries to John Means and Tyler Wells. Concerns escalated recently when Kyle Bradish landed on the IL due to an elbow injury, the severity of which remains uncertain.
Currently, Bradish has been placed on the 15-day IL with plans for additional tests to assess his condition. Reports indicate he has been managing a slight tear in his UCL, leaving options ranging from non-surgical treatments requiring extended recovery to potentially undergoing Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of 2024 and possibly beyond. The Orioles face the challenge of replacing Bradish, whose impact and ace-level performance have been pivotal.
Contextually, the Orioles aren’t in dire need of any pitching help; their current staff boasts strong organizational depth. Led by Cy Young contender Corbin Burnes with his impressive 2.14 ERA and Grayson Rodriguez emerging as a formidable young talent, the rotation includes reliable contributors like Cole Irvin and surprising standout Albert Suárez. Despite the setback, this group appears capable of sustaining the Orioles’ playoff aspirations.
However, the acquisition of Burnes earlier this year signaled a shift towards higher ambitions beyond previous seasons. While focused on the present, the Orioles’ front office maintains a strategic eye on long-term success, aiming for both immediate championship contention and sustained competitiveness.
The possibility of pursuing rentals remains viable, despite earlier strategies emphasizing pitchers with extended team control. Pitchers like pending free agents Jack Flaherty, Justin Verlander, and Luis Severino present potential trade targets who could bolster the Orioles’ current pitching arsenal.
Jack Flaherty, 28, has rejuvenated his career in Detroit, showing dominance and a hunger for a lucrative contract. Meanwhile, Justin Verlander, a seasoned veteran with Hall of Fame credentials, offers experience and could serve as a cost-effective rental option. Similarly, Luis Severino’s resurgence with the Mets underscores his potential to regain his star form, making him an intriguing candidate for the Orioles.
While options exist for acquiring depth or innings eaters, the Orioles possess internal candidates like Suárez, Irvin, and potential call-ups like Chayce McDermott and Bruce Zimmermann, reducing the urgency for acquisitions purely for depth.
Moreover, the Orioles might explore trades for pitchers with multiple years of team control, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. Players like Garrett Crochet, Erick Fedde, and José Soriano represent younger arms with varying degrees of experience and potential, offering the Orioles flexibility in their pitching strategy.
The current situation with Kyle Bradish will inevitably influence the Orioles’ trade decisions. While they evaluate internal options like Cade Povich, a prospect showing promise in Triple-A, the Orioles may delay significant moves pending further evaluation of Bradish’s injury severity and potential recovery timeline.
Although losing Bradish would pose challenges for the Orioles in 2024, their robust roster and strategic front office suggest they remain well-positioned to pursue their World Series ambitions. The team’s measured approach to trade opportunities reflects both confidence in their current squad and a commitment to enhancing their championship prospects when prudent opportunities arise.
