The Baltimore Orioles face a significant challenge in addressing a glaring hole in their starting rotation, and speculation abounds regarding how they will tackle it. Options range from trading for a high-upside player like Garrett Crochet to pursuing an established ace like Max Fried. However, the team’s actual rotation for next season might fall short of these high hopes, according to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, who recently projected a potential Orioles rotation lineup.
Depth Starters
Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, and Chayce McDermott represent potential depth options. Rogers, acquired during last season’s trade deadline, struggled mightily with a 7.11 ERA and performance issues in the minors. While he’s under team control for two more years, his future in the rotation remains uncertain. Povich, once a top pitching prospect, endured a tough rookie season and likely needs additional time in the minors to refine his game. McDermott, a standout strikeout pitcher in the minors, made only one MLB start last year and could be a trade chip moving forward.
Projected Rotation
5. Albert Suarez
Suarez proved to be a surprise success after joining the Orioles on a minor league deal, marking his MLB return after several years overseas. Elevated to the starting rotation midseason, Suarez delivered a respectable 3.70 ERA in 2024, providing a steady presence despite the overall instability of the pitching staff. At 35 years old, Suarez may still offer value at the back end of the rotation.
4. Dean Kremer
Kremer has emerged as a reliable back-end starter, consistently providing five to six innings per outing. While he hasn’t matched his standout performance from 2022, Kremer showed flashes of brilliance interspersed with occasional rough patches. His consistency makes him a dependable, if unspectacular, rotation piece.
3. Grayson Rodriguez
One of the team’s brightest young talents, Rodriguez has demonstrated the potential to become an ace. Known for his strong strikeout numbers and improving command, he features a promising fastball and an effective mix of breaking pitches. Still early in his MLB career, the 25-year-old is expected to take another step forward as he builds on his growing experience.
2. Sean Manaea
Adding Manaea as a top offseason acquisition would likely disappoint fans hoping for a marquee signing. While the 32-year-old showed significant improvement with the New York Mets last season, posting a career-best 3.47 ERA and 1.084 WHIP, his track record has been inconsistent. Manaea would be a strong second or third starter if he sustains last year’s form, but relying on him as the centerpiece of the rotation would leave much to be desired.
1. Zach Eflin
Eflin performed well after being acquired by the Orioles at the trade deadline and will likely enter 2025 as the staff ace. However, his track record raises concerns. Before the trade, Eflin posted a 4.09 ERA over 19 starts with the Tampa Bay Rays, and his career has been marked by inconsistency. While his recent success with Baltimore offers hope, the Orioles risk over-reliance on a pitcher who could regress.
Outlook
The Orioles’ projected rotation underscores the challenges they face in replacing departed ace Corbin Burnes. While Rodriguez offers long-term upside and Eflin has shown flashes of brilliance, the overall group lacks a proven star to anchor the staff. If the Orioles fail to make a significant addition, fans may find themselves yearning for more aggressive moves to bolster the team’s postseason aspirations.
