The Baltimore Orioles face a crucial offseason after failing to meet high expectations in 2025. Despite a promising young core, the team's lack of frontline pitching has hindered their ability to contend. MLB insider Mark Feinsand suggests a surprising move could be on the horizon: trading star catcher Adley Rutschman.
Pitching Woes Plague Orioles
While Trevor Rogers has emerged as a reliable starter, the Orioles' rotation remains thin. Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish are returning from significant arm injuries, further emphasizing the need for reinforcements. The Orioles' historical reluctance to hand out lucrative contracts makes a trade a potentially attractive option.
Rutschman on the Block?
In his recent MLB.com article, Feinsand explores potential moves for the Orioles, citing conversations with various executives. One executive suggested that trading Rutschman could address the team's pitching deficiencies. "I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move Adley to add some pitching," the NL executive told Feinsand.
Rutschman, who debuted in 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn't quite lived up to the hype. The Orioles, led by GM Mike Elias, face a tough decision. Can they afford to part with a cornerstone player to acquire much-needed pitching? Or will they explore other avenues to bolster their rotation?
Other potential trade or free agent targets for the Orioles pitching staff could include Framber Valdez, Michael King, and Dylan Cease. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the Orioles navigate this pivotal offseason.
The Orioles' situation highlights the delicate balance between building a strong core and addressing critical needs. Will they take a bold step and trade Rutschman, or will they find another way to solve their pitching problem?