The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most intriguing teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) heading into the 2025 season. After several seasons of rebuilding, the team is beginning to show promise with a young, dynamic roster and a revamped front office that has made strides in turning the franchise around. With an exciting group of position players and a bullpen that has proven itself as one of the more reliable units in the American League, the biggest question mark for the Orioles remains their starting rotation. Specifically, the battle for the final spot in the rotation has dominated discussions among fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the state of the Orioles’ starting pitching staff, analyzing the options available for the final spot in the rotation, the potential candidates, and how this battle could impact the team’s performance in the 2025 season. We’ll also explore the long-term outlook for the rotation and how the Orioles’ management is handling this critical position as they continue to push for a playoff berth.
The Orioles’ Starting Rotation: A Work in Progress
For the past several years, the Orioles’ starting pitching has been a significant weakness. While the team has developed a strong core of position players, including stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins, the pitching staff has often held the team back. The lack of consistency from the starting pitchers has been a major factor in the team’s inability to consistently contend for playoff spots. However, in recent seasons, the Orioles have made noticeable improvements in their pitching staff, particularly in their rotation.
In 2023, the team made strides with their pitching, thanks in part to the emergence of some key contributors like Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez, in particular, was considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, and his debut in 2023 was a much-anticipated event. While the rotation still had its ups and downs, the team showed that it was capable of being competitive with the right mix of pitchers.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Orioles’ starting rotation is expected to be much stronger, with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. The team’s success in the coming years will largely depend on the ability of this rotation to perform consistently and eat up innings. While the top of the rotation is relatively solidified, the battle for the final spot in the rotation remains one of the most critical questions surrounding the team as they prepare for the new season.
The Top of the Rotation: Gibson, Kremer, and Rodriguez
Before we delve into the battle for the final spot, it’s important to establish who the key players are at the top of the Orioles’ rotation. As of now, the first three spots are more or less locked in with the following pitchers:
Kyle Gibson: The veteran right-hander was a crucial addition to the Orioles in 2023 and has continued to provide a steady presence at the top of the rotation. Gibson brings experience and durability to the team, having pitched in over 200 innings in multiple seasons. While he may not be an ace, his ability to eat innings and limit damage in difficult situations is invaluable to a team trying to contend for a playoff spot.
Dean Kremer: The Israeli-born pitcher has shown considerable growth over the past few seasons and is expected to be a key part of the rotation moving forward. Kremer has a good mix of pitches and has shown flashes of brilliance, though consistency has sometimes been an issue. His ability to develop into a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter would be a major boost to the Orioles’ chances in 2025.
Grayson Rodriguez: Perhaps the most exciting player in the Orioles’ rotation, Rodriguez is a highly-touted prospect who made his MLB debut in 2023. Rodriguez has all the tools to become a future ace for the team, including a powerful fastball, sharp curveball, and an advanced pitching IQ. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the American League.
With Gibson, Kremer, and Rodriguez at the top of the rotation, the Orioles have a solid foundation. However, it’s clear that the team will need one or two additional pitchers to round out the rotation. The battle for the final spot is where the intrigue lies.
The Battle for the Final Rotation Spot
At the start of spring training, the Orioles will have several options to fill the final spot in the rotation. This competition is expected to be fierce, with multiple pitchers vying for the chance to break camp with the team. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading candidates for this crucial spot.
1. Tyler Wells
Tyler Wells has been a key figure in the Orioles’ bullpen and rotation over the past few seasons. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in 2023, when he posted solid numbers as a starter. However, consistency has been an issue for Wells, as he has struggled at times to go deep into games and avoid big innings. With a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a solid slider, Wells has the potential to be a solid starting pitcher if he can refine his command and pitch deeper into games.
Wells’ ability to strike out batters and limit walks gives him an edge in the battle for the final rotation spot. However, his health and ability to avoid the long ball will be key factors in determining whether he earns the job. If Wells can find more consistency and prove he can be a reliable option for the rotation, he could secure the final spot and give the Orioles a valuable asset.
2. Spencer Watkins
Spencer Watkins is another pitcher who could be in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Watkins is a journeyman pitcher who has spent time in both the rotation and the bullpen for the Orioles. While he has shown flashes of being a competent starter, his overall numbers have been inconsistent. Watkins relies heavily on command and pitch location, as he doesn’t have overpowering stuff like some of the other candidates. That said, he has been able to keep the team in games during his appearances, and his ability to limit walks has kept him in the conversation for a rotation spot.
For Watkins to earn a spot in the rotation, he will need to demonstrate that he can pitch deeper into games and avoid major blow-ups. His success as a reliever may also factor into the decision, as the Orioles could potentially see him as a long reliever if he doesn’t make the rotation.
3. Grayson Rodriguez (If Not Already Locked In)
While Rodriguez is expected to be a key part of the rotation, there is a possibility that he could start the season in the minors to manage his development or to keep an extra arm in the bullpen. This could open up an additional spot in the rotation for someone else, at least temporarily. If Rodriguez does start the season in the minors, the competition for the final spot in the rotation becomes even more crucial.
If Rodriguez earns a spot, it would likely come at the expense of one of the other candidates. However, if the team decides to give him more time in the minors, the others will have a window of opportunity to prove themselves.
4. DL Hall
Another intriguing name in the conversation is DL Hall, a former top pitching prospect in the Orioles’ system. Hall has struggled with injuries and control issues in his development, but he has a high ceiling. He possesses an electric fastball and a sharp breaking ball that could make him a top-of-the-rotation talent if he can harness his stuff. Hall has spent some time in the bullpen, but many still believe he could be a future starter if given the chance.
Hall will need to prove that he can consistently throw strikes and go deeper into games if he hopes to secure a spot in the rotation. His ability to stay healthy will also be a key factor, as his career has been plagued by injuries thus far.
5. Cole Irvin
Cole Irvin is another veteran who could be in the mix for the final rotation spot. Irvin, who came over in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, has been a consistent performer over the past few seasons. While he doesn’t have overpowering stuff, Irvin’s ability to command the strike zone and limit hard contact has allowed him to find success in MLB. His experience and ability to eat innings make him an attractive option for the Orioles, especially as they look to strengthen their rotation.
Irvin may not have the upside of some of the other candidates, but his reliability and experience could make him a valuable asset to the team, particularly if the Orioles are looking for a stabilizing presence at the back of the rotation.
The Long-Term Outlook: Developing Young Talent
While the battle for the final rotation spot is a major storyline heading into 2025, the Orioles are also focused on the long-term development of their pitching staff. The team has made significant strides in building a robust farm system, and several young pitchers are knocking on the door of the major leagues.
In addition to Grayson Rodriguez, other prospects like Kyle Bradish and Drew Rom are expected to play significant roles in the Orioles’ rotation in the coming years. As the team continues to improve, it will be important for the front office to maintain a balanced approach, blending veteran leadership with young talent. The competition for the final rotation spot could serve as a proving ground for these young pitchers, helping them gain valuable experience and develop into future stars.
Conclusion: A Critical Decision for the Orioles
As the Orioles head into the 2025 season, the battle for the final spot in the rotation remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the team. With several intriguing options, including Tyler Wells, Spencer Watkins, DL Hall, and Cole Irvin, the Orioles will have to make a decision that could have a lasting impact on their season. The success of the rotation will be key to the team’s overall performance, and the front office will have to weigh the upside of young pitchers against the reliability of veterans.
Ultimately, the Orioles’ success in 2025 may depend on the ability of their starting pitchers to stay healthy, develop consistency, and perform under pressure. The battle for the final rotation spot is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a critical one for a team that has its sights set on the postseason. With an exciting young core and a revamped pitching staff, the Orioles are on the right track—but how they handle this rotation question could make all the difference.
After several seasons of rebuilding, the team is beginning to show promise with a young, dynamic roster and a revamped front office that has made strides in turning the franchise around. With an exciting group of position players and a bullpen that has proven itself as one of the more reliable units in the American League, the biggest question mark for the Orioles remains their starting rotation. Specifically, the battle for the final spot in the rotation has dominated discussions among fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the state of the Orioles’ starting pitching staff, analyzing the options available for the final spot in the rotation, the potential candidates, and how this battle could impact the team’s performance in the 2025 season. We’ll also explore the long-term outlook for the rotation and how the Orioles’ management is handling this critical position as they continue to push for a playoff berth.
The Orioles’ Starting Rotation: A Work in Progress
For the past several years, the Orioles’ starting pitching has been a significant weakness. While the team has developed a strong core of position players, including stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins, the pitching staff has often held the team back. The lack of consistency from the starting pitchers has been a major factor in the team’s inability to consistently contend for playoff spots. However, in recent seasons, the Orioles have made noticeable improvements in their pitching staff, particularly in their rotation.
In 2023, the team made strides with their pitching, thanks in part to the emergence of some key contributors like Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez, in particular, was considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, and his debut in 2023 was a much-anticipated event. While the rotation still had its ups and downs, the team showed that it was capable of being competitive with the right mix of pitchers.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Orioles’ starting rotation is expected to be much stronger, with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. The team’s success in the coming years will largely depend on the ability of this rotation to perform consistently and eat up innings. While the top of the rotation is relatively solidified, the battle for the final spot in the rotation remains one of the most critical questions surrounding the team as they prepare for the new season.
The Top of the Rotation: Gibson, Kremer, and Rodriguez
Before we delve into the battle for the final spot, it’s important to establish who the key players are at the top of the Orioles’ rotation. As of now, the first three spots are more or less locked in with the following pitchers:
Kyle Gibson: The veteran right-hander was a crucial addition to the Orioles in 2023 and has continued to provide a steady presence at the top of the rotation. Gibson brings experience and durability to the team, having pitched in over 200 innings in multiple seasons. While he may not be an ace, his ability to eat innings and limit damage in difficult situations is invaluable to a team trying to contend for a playoff spot.
Dean Kremer: The Israeli-born pitcher has shown considerable growth over the past few seasons and is expected to be a key part of the rotation moving forward. Kremer has a good mix of pitches and has shown flashes of brilliance, though consistency has sometimes been an issue. His ability to develop into a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter would be a major boost to the Orioles’ chances in 2025.
Grayson Rodriguez: Perhaps the most exciting player in the Orioles’ rotation, Rodriguez is a highly-touted prospect who made his MLB debut in 2023. Rodriguez has all the tools to become a future ace for the team, including a powerful fastball, sharp curveball, and an advanced pitching IQ. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the American League.
With Gibson, Kremer, and Rodriguez at the top of the rotation, the Orioles have a solid foundation. However, it’s clear that the team will need one or two additional pitchers to round out the rotation. The battle for the final spot is where the intrigue lies.
The Battle for the Final Rotation Spot
At the start of spring training, the Orioles will have several options to fill the final spot in the rotation. This competition is expected to be fierce, with multiple pitchers vying for the chance to break camp with the team. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading candidates for this crucial spot.
1. Tyler Wells
Tyler Wells has been a key figure in the Orioles’ bullpen and rotation over the past few seasons. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in 2023, when he posted solid numbers as a starter. However, consistency has been an issue for Wells, as he has struggled at times to go deep into games and avoid big innings. With a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a solid slider, Wells has the potential to be a solid starting pitcher if he can refine his command and pitch deeper into games.
Wells’ ability to strike out batters and limit walks gives him an edge in the battle for the final rotation spot. However, his health and ability to avoid the long ball will be key factors in determining whether he earns the job. If Wells can find more consistency and prove he can be a reliable option for the rotation, he could secure the final spot and give the Orioles a valuable asset.
2. Spencer Watkins
Spencer Watkins is another pitcher who could be in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Watkins is a journeyman pitcher who has spent time in both the rotation and the bullpen for the Orioles. While he has shown flashes of being a competent starter, his overall numbers have been inconsistent. Watkins relies heavily on command and pitch location, as he doesn’t have overpowering stuff like some of the other candidates. That said, he has been able to keep the team in games during his appearances, and his ability to limit walks has kept him in the conversation for a rotation spot.
For Watkins to earn a spot in the rotation, he will need to demonstrate that he can pitch deeper into games and avoid major blow-ups. His success as a reliever may also factor into the decision, as the Orioles could potentially see him as a long reliever if he doesn’t make the rotation.
3. Grayson Rodriguez (If Not Already Locked In)
While Rodriguez is expected to be a key part of the rotation, there is a possibility that he could start the season in the minors to manage his development or to keep an extra arm in the bullpen. This could open up an additional spot in the rotation for someone else, at least temporarily. If Rodriguez does start the season in the minors, the competition for the final spot in the rotation becomes even more crucial.
If Rodriguez earns a spot, it would likely come at the expense of one of the other candidates. However, if the team decides to give him more time in the minors, the others will have a window of opportunity to prove themselves.
4. DL Hall
Another intriguing name in the conversation is DL Hall, a former top pitching prospect in the Orioles’ system. Hall has struggled with injuries and control issues in his development, but he has a high ceiling. He possesses an electric fastball and a sharp breaking ball that could make him a top-of-the-rotation talent if he can harness his stuff. Hall has spent some time in the bullpen, but many still believe he could be a future starter if given the chance.
Hall will need to prove that he can consistently throw strikes and go deeper into games if he hopes to secure a spot in the rotation. His ability to stay healthy will also be a key factor, as his career has been plagued by injuries thus far.
5. Cole Irvin
Cole Irvin is another veteran who could be in the mix for the final rotation spot. Irvin, who came over in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, has been a consistent performer over the past few seasons. While he doesn’t have overpowering stuff, Irvin’s ability to command the strike zone and limit hard contact has allowed him to find success in MLB. His experience and ability to eat innings make him an attractive option for the Orioles, especially as they look to strengthen their rotation.
Irvin may not have the upside of some of the other candidates, but his reliability and experience could make him a valuable asset to the team, particularly if the Orioles are looking for a stabilizing presence at the back of the rotation.
The Long-Term Outlook: Developing Young Talent
While the battle for the final rotation spot is a major storyline heading into 2025, the Orioles are also focused on the long-term development of their pitching staff. The team has made significant strides in building a robust farm system, and several young pitchers are knocking on the door of the major leagues.
In addition to Grayson Rodriguez, other prospects like Kyle Bradish and Drew Rom are expected to play significant roles in the Orioles’ rotation in the coming years. As the team continues to improve, it will be important for the front office to maintain a balanced approach, blending veteran leadership with young talent. The competition for the final rotation spot could serve as a proving ground for these young pitchers, helping them gain valuable experience and develop into future stars.
A Critical Decision for the Orioles
As the Orioles head into the 2025 season, the battle for the final spot in the rotation remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the team. With several intriguing options, including Tyler Wells, Spencer Watkins, DL Hall, and Cole Irvin, the Orioles will have to make a decision that could have a lasting impact on their season. The success of the rotation will be key to the team’s overall performance, and the front office will have to weigh the upside of young pitchers against the reliability of veterans.
Ultimately, the Orioles’ success in 2025 may depend on the ability of their starting pitchers to stay healthy, develop consistency, and perform under pressure. The battle for the final rotation spot is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a critical one for a team that has its sights set on the postseason. With an exciting young core and a revamped pitching staff, the Orioles are on the right track—but how they handle this rotation question could make all the difference.
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