Baltimore Orioles Encouraged to Trade for All-Star Starting Pitcher

As the Baltimore Orioles continue to rebuild and strengthen their roster for the future, the idea of making a significant move on the trade market has become an increasingly hot topic. With their strong core of young talent, including promising pitchers such as Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, the Orioles are not just looking for success in the present but also setting themselves up for sustained competitiveness. However, despite their promising future, many analysts and experts believe that the team still lacks the kind of elite, proven pitching that could help propel them into serious contention for a playoff spot in the near future.

One name that has surfaced in trade rumors for the Orioles is an All-Star caliber starting pitcher, someone who can stabilize the rotation and provide leadership both on and off the mound. The Orioles are in a favorable position where they have a talented core of young players, which could allow them to make a bold move that would improve their chances of competing now while also maintaining the future outlook.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Orioles are encouraged to trade for an All-Star starting pitcher, what they could potentially offer in exchange, and how such a move would impact both their immediate performance and long-term goals.

Why the Orioles Need an All-Star Starting Pitcher

The Orioles’ pitching staff has shown promising signs in recent years, with emerging stars and strong prospects rising through the ranks. However, despite the promise that players like Grayson Rodriguez bring to the table, the team lacks a true ace—a proven, top-tier starter who can take the ball in Game 1 of a playoff series and anchor the rotation throughout the season.

While Rodriguez is viewed as a future star, he is still young and has shown inconsistency at the major league level. The same can be said for other young arms like DL Hall, who has potential but still needs to refine his control and mechanics. Kyle Bradish, another key piece of the rotation, has flashed potential but hasn’t yet demonstrated the sustained excellence that top-tier starters are known for.

What the Orioles need, then, is a veteran leader—a pitcher with experience in high-leverage situations and the ability to set the tone for a young pitching staff. A true ace would provide more than just stability on the mound. They would also offer mentorship to the younger players, particularly to Rodriguez and Hall, helping them navigate the rigors of a full MLB season.

An All-Star caliber pitcher could bring several benefits to the Orioles’ pitching staff:

1. Stabilizing the Rotation: A top-tier starting pitcher would solidify the rotation, giving the Orioles a reliable option at the top. In a competitive AL East division, having a proven ace can make a significant difference in how the team fares against powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.
2. Mentoring Young Pitchers: A veteran presence in the clubhouse can do wonders for a young pitching staff. The Orioles’ current rotation has a lot of talent, but they are still learning the nuances of pitching in the majors. Having an established All-Star would not only stabilize the rotation but also provide invaluable experience for the younger arms to learn from.
3. Contending in the AL East: The Orioles have shown signs of improvement, and with the right moves, they could become serious contenders in the always-competitive AL East. Adding an All-Star pitcher would send a message to the rest of the division that the Orioles are serious about winning now, not just in the future.
4. Playoff Push: The Orioles are inching closer to playoff contention, and adding an elite pitcher to the rotation would give them the kind of advantage needed to make a postseason run. With the expanded playoff format in place, the Orioles have an excellent opportunity to reach the playoffs, but they need the right pieces in place to make it happen.
5. Proven Postseason Success: Many All-Star pitchers have experience in the postseason, which would be invaluable for a team that is still looking to build that kind of success. A pitcher who has thrived in October can help guide the Orioles through the pressure of big games, providing both leadership and composure.

Who Could the Orioles Target?

Given the Orioles’ position in the standings and their growing crop of young players, a trade for an All-Star starting pitcher would make sense, but the team would have to target someone who fits their immediate needs without mortgaging the future. In an ideal world, the Orioles would acquire a pitcher who has a combination of proven success, potential for continued production, and an affordable contract that aligns with their window of contention.

Some potential targets for the Orioles could include:

1. Luis Castillo (Cincinnati Reds)

One of the most discussed trade candidates in recent seasons, Luis Castillo has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League. The right-hander boasts a fastball that can touch the high 90s and a devastating slider that makes him an ideal strikeout pitcher. Castillo has been consistent over the past few seasons and has shown his ability to be a No. 1 starter for any team.

For the Orioles, Castillo would provide exactly what they need at the top of their rotation: a strikeout-heavy pitcher who can pitch deep into games and deliver in high-pressure situations. With a team-friendly contract, Castillo is an ideal candidate to slot in as a potential long-term solution in Baltimore’s rotation.

2. Frankie Montas (Oakland Athletics)

Another strong candidate for a trade is Frankie Montas, the All-Star pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. Montas has been one of the most consistent performers in the A’s rotation over the last few years and would provide the Orioles with another strong option. Montas has a repertoire of pitches that make him effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, and his ability to generate swings and misses would be invaluable in the Orioles’ rotation.

Although Montas is not as dominant as some other top-tier pitchers, he is still an experienced, reliable option who could fit well alongside Grayson Rodriguez and other young pitchers in Baltimore’s rotation. The Orioles might be able to acquire Montas without giving up too much of their young core, making him an attractive option for their rebuild.

3. Zack Greinke (Kansas City Royals)

While Zack Greinke may be on the back end of his illustrious career, his experience, leadership, and ability to pitch with precision could make him a valuable asset for the Orioles. Greinke’s veteran presence and wealth of playoff experience could help guide the Orioles’ young pitchers, while still providing solid performance on the mound.

Though Greinke is not the ace he once was, he remains a solid starter capable of providing the team with innings and stabilizing the rotation. His ability to pitch deep into games and avoid walks would be a welcome addition to a young pitching staff, and his experience would be crucial in high-pressure situations.

4. Carlos Carrasco (New York Mets)

Carlos Carrasco is another veteran pitcher who could provide stability to the Orioles’ rotation. Though his best years may be behind him, Carrasco still has the ability to produce at a high level. The 2025 season could be an ideal time for the Mets to move Carrasco, and the Orioles could offer a trade package that doesn’t involve too many of their top prospects.

Carrasco’s versatility and ability to eat innings would be important for a team like the Orioles that is looking to avoid taxing its younger arms. He also has postseason experience, which could help the Orioles in their quest to contend in the AL East.

What Would the Orioles Need to Give Up?

In order to land an All-Star caliber starting pitcher, the Orioles would likely have to part with some of their valuable assets. While the team is reluctant to part with top-tier prospects, they have the depth in their system to make a trade without sacrificing their future.

The Orioles could offer a combination of prospects and major league players. Some of the prospects that could be included in a trade package are:

• Heston Kjerstad (Outfield Prospect): A top prospect with power potential, Kjerstad could be an appealing trade chip for teams looking for a young outfielder with a high ceiling.
• Colton Cowser (Outfield Prospect): One of the top hitters in the Orioles’ farm system, Cowser could provide the receiving team with a well-rounded player with an advanced approach at the plate.
• Jordan Westburg (Infield Prospect): Westburg is a versatile infielder who could slot into a team’s middle infield or provide additional depth. His strong bat and defensive abilities make him an enticing prospect for teams looking for a reliable future contributor.

In addition to these prospects, the Orioles could offer some of their young major league players as part of the trade package. The key to a successful trade will be balancing the present needs with future success. The Orioles can afford to give up a few prospects but will need to ensure they don’t completely deplete their farm system in the process.

Impact on the Orioles’ Future

Trading for an All-Star starting pitcher would have a significant impact on the Orioles’ immediate future. Not only would it bolster their rotation and make them a more competitive team, but it would also provide an opportunity for the young pitchers on the roster to learn from a proven veteran. The mentorship from a seasoned starter could help accelerate the development of players like Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, making them more ready for the pressures of a playoff chase.

Additionally, adding a proven starting pitcher would help the Orioles make a legitimate run for the playoffs in 2025. With an expanding postseason format, the team is closer than ever to making a playoff appearance, and adding a veteran ace could push them over the top.

Ultimately, a trade for an All-Star starting pitcher would signal the Orioles’ commitment to competing now while continuing to build for the future. It would also reflect the organization’s belief in the potential of their young stars, as the team looks to solidify its standing in the competitive AL East for years to come.

As the Orioles continue their journey toward becoming a perennial contender in the AL East, trading for an All-Star starting pitcher would be a significant move. The team has the talent and young core to succeed, but the addition of a proven veteran arm would give them the stability and leadership needed to take the next step. Whether it’s Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas, Zack Greinke, or Carlos Carrasco, the Orioles have several potential options to bolster their rotation. With the right trade, the Orioles could position themselves for playoff contention in 2025 while also providing valuable mentorship to their young pitchers.