The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the biggest spending teams this winter, adding multiple players on both the pitching side and the lineup side this offseason.
Their additions of Shane Baz and Zach Eflin will help the rotation, but they've been linked to top starting pitchers even after those moves. Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and top trade candidates have all been linked to the Orioles this winter.
But, an update from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is some bad news for the Orioles. Despite the need and being linked to some of these starters before, the Orioles might not be bringing in such a pitcher this winter.
Orioles update is bad news on top starting pitchers
"But the Orioles likely face competition for Valdez from the New York Mets and other clubs," Rosenthal writes. "And they might be reluctant to part with additional young talent after giving up four prospects and a competitive balance pick for Baz."
The Orioles have added two starting pitchers this winter, and Baz might be what keeps them from the top-end of the starting pitching trade market.
Names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and MacKenzie Gore might not be realistic options after the Orioles spent a lot on Baz.
While the Orioles would only need to spend money, their odds of landing Valdez or someone like Gallen might not be great with strong interest from other teams around the league.
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If the Mets are involved, as seen by their pursuit of Kyle Tucker and signing of Bo Bichette, the Mets are more than willing to spend boatloads of money this offseason.
If the Mets want to, they could beat the Orioles' offer for Valdez or any top starting pitcher they go after this winter. Baltimore's front office should still try, but the Mets might have the final say.
Mike Elias has put together a strong offseason thus far, and while they could very well land another starting pitcher, their odds don't look as great as they did a few weeks ago.
Between the team's reported reluctance to part with more prospects and the strong competition for Valdez or top free agents from the Mets and other big spenders, the Orioles might not be able to bring in the frontline starter they've been looking for.
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