Orioles Have Major Pitching Problem That Only Their Front Office Can Solve

The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2025 MLB season with high hopes, fueled by a potent offense and a growing reputation as one of the most promising teams in the American League. However, as the early part of the season unfolds, a glaring weakness has become apparent—an issue that threatens to derail the team’s aspirations: pitching. While the team has made progress in several areas, the Orioles’ pitching staff has been inconsistent, and it’s clear that the front office must step up to address this critical problem before it’s too late.

From an underwhelming starting rotation to an overworked bullpen, the Orioles are facing a situation that demands attention. While their offensive lineup, led by the likes of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Ryan Mountcastle, has the potential to carry the team on most nights, the pitching staff has been unable to consistently keep opposing teams from putting up big numbers. The team’s ability to stay competitive in the tough AL East hinges on the front office finding a solution to this problem, and time is of the essence.

The Starting Rotation: A Work in Progress

When looking at the Orioles’ pitching issues, the starting rotation is the most immediate concern. Heading into the 2025 season, the Orioles had high hopes for their starting pitchers, many of whom showed promise during the previous season. However, several key pitchers have struggled to find consistency early in the year, and the team’s overall performance from the mound has been lackluster at best.

Kyle Gibson, who was signed in the offseason to provide veteran leadership, has been solid but unspectacular, showing flashes of effectiveness without being able to consistently dominate opposing batters. On the other hand, young pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer, who were expected to step up and lead the rotation, have faced difficulties. Rodriguez, in particular, has been inconsistent in his starts, unable to put together a string of quality outings, leaving the Orioles to wonder if they have the depth needed to compete in the AL East.

The injury to Kyle Bradish, one of the team’s more promising young starters, only exacerbates the problem. Bradish was expected to be a key contributor in the rotation, but after undergoing Tommy John surgery, his recovery is set to keep him sidelined for the majority of the 2025 season. The move to place him on the 60-day injured list has opened up space on the roster for new players, but it has also made it clear that the team is running out of reliable arms.

With so many questions surrounding the starting rotation, the Orioles find themselves in a precarious position. The lack of consistency from their top starters has meant that the team’s bullpen is being called into action earlier and more frequently than expected, putting additional stress on an already overworked group of relief pitchers.

The Bullpen: Overextended and Undervalued

While the Orioles’ offense has been capable of putting up impressive numbers, the bullpen has been an area of concern. Baltimore’s bullpen was a strength in the previous season, thanks in part to the dominant performances of pitchers like Félix Bautista and Dillon Tate. However, this year, the bullpen has been forced to pick up the slack for an inconsistent starting rotation, leading to fatigue and the potential for overuse injuries.

With the starting rotation often failing to go deep into games, manager Brandon Hyde has been forced to lean heavily on his relief corps, resulting in a high number of innings pitched by the bullpen. In particular, closer Bautista has been used in high-leverage situations for multiple innings, leading to potential concerns about wear and tear as the season progresses.

The problem lies in the fact that the Orioles’ bullpen depth is not as strong as it once appeared. While there are some reliable arms, the lack of quality options in long relief and the absence of an established setup man has made it difficult for Hyde to manage the workload. The bullpen has often been exposed when asked to cover for the starters, and in a division as competitive as the AL East, that could quickly lead to a downward spiral.

With the workload on the bullpen continuing to increase, the Orioles’ front office must recognize the need to add depth to the relief corps. While some internal options may emerge as the season progresses, the team cannot afford to take that risk if they want to remain competitive in a division that is packed with strong contenders like the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Front Office’s Responsibility

While the Orioles’ coaching staff and players are doing everything they can to keep the team in contention, it is ultimately the front office that has the power to address the pitching problems. The front office must recognize that, without a significant upgrade to the pitching staff, the team’s chances of making the playoffs will be greatly diminished.

Trade Deadline Moves:

One of the most likely avenues for solving the pitching issue will come during the trade deadline. The Orioles have a strong farm system and a wealth of young talent, which could be used as trade bait to acquire a front-line starting pitcher or bolster the bullpen. This approach has worked in the past for the Orioles, and the team’s front office will need to consider pulling the trigger on a significant trade to improve the pitching staff.

However, acquiring a proven starting pitcher or elite reliever will come at a cost. The Orioles have already shown that they are willing to make bold moves, having signed veterans like Gibson in the offseason. If the front office is serious about contending in 2025, they will need to make another bold move—this time to acquire an arm that can make an immediate impact. Whether it’s a pitcher from a rebuilding team or a more established star, the Orioles cannot afford to stand pat with the current state of their rotation and bullpen.

Free Agency Considerations:

Another avenue for improvement is free agency. While the 2025 offseason has already passed, there are still options available in terms of trade possibilities or even signing players who were let go from other organizations. However, the Orioles’ front office will need to stay active in keeping an eye on potential deals, even if they have to wait until the offseason to make a major move.

Internal Solutions:

While external options are certainly available, the Orioles also need to look inward for potential answers. Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, and other young pitchers still have room for development, and the front office will need to give them every opportunity to succeed. This might involve additional coaching and more frequent starts in the major leagues to build confidence and consistency. The key is ensuring that the Orioles’ young pitchers have the tools and resources they need to grow into reliable options, whether as starters or long relievers.

Another internal solution could be developing more depth within the bullpen. The Orioles may need to take a closer look at their minor league system and consider promoting some of their prospects for a shot at a major league roster spot. While these younger pitchers might not be ready to step into high-leverage situations right away, they could serve as long-term solutions to provide depth in the bullpen and rotation.

Building a Championship-Caliber Pitching Staff

Ultimately, the goal for the Orioles is to build a pitching staff that can support their explosive offense and help them contend for a championship. However, that goal is going to take time and careful planning. The front office must address the immediate concerns of starting pitching and bullpen depth, but they also need to focus on long-term solutions. That includes building a pipeline of talent that will continue to feed the major league roster and help sustain success for years to come.

To compete with the top teams in the AL, the Orioles will need to make savvy acquisitions, develop their young pitchers, and maintain flexibility within their roster. The pitching problem is not one that can be solved overnight, but with the right moves, the Orioles have the chance to become a championship-caliber team in the near future.

Conclusion: A Critical Crossroad for the Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are at a critical juncture in the 2025 season. Their offense remains one of the most potent in the league, but their pitching staff has been inconsistent at best. The front office now faces the daunting task of addressing this problem through trades, free-agent signings, and internal development. If the Orioles want to compete in the loaded AL East and beyond, they must act quickly to fix their pitching problems. The front office has the resources to make the necessary changes, but it’s up to them to take the right steps to ensure the team’s success. Time will tell if they are up to the challenge.