The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the league's biggest spenders this winter. With Pete Alonso on a $155 million deal and Ryan Helsley signed for $28 million, the next step for Baltimore is the starting rotation.
Starting pitching has been one of the Orioles' top needs all winter, and after sending Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels for Taylor Ward, the need became even greater.
While the free agent market for top-of-the-line starters has been slow, ESPN's Jeff Passan shared good news on the markets for the top free agent pitchers. Baltimore, eyeing some of the top pitchers, might get a resolution sooner rather than later.
Orioles get good news from ESPN's Jeff Passan on SP market
Passan noted that the top-tier starting pitching market's temperature is "Chilly, but about to warm up." This means that pitchers like Tatsuya Imai, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, and Zac Gallen could all be coming off the board soon.
As the Orioles progress through the offseason, landing one of the top starting pitchers available is a priority. While they could explore the trade market for players such as MacKenzie Gore, Freddy Peralta, and Edward Cabrera, the free agent market is better.
It won't cost the Orioles any prospects or players, and they will have more control over how long they have that player for. Contract talks are much easier than trade talks, especially when the trade market is likely to be strong this offseason.
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Baltimore has been eyeing a starting pitcher since the offseason began, and with their current spending, they have plenty of reason to spend big on one of the elite names left on the market.
Passan's report suggests that the Orioles might not have to wait long to get a resolution on the rotation free agent market. Finding out sooner rather than later what the Orioles come away with will be much better than having to wait.
Not only will it pave the way for the rest of the offseason for Baltimore, but it will also give the Orioles and Mike Elias a clear understanding of where the team stands, whether they land a top free agent option or not.
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