As spring training nears, the Baltimore Orioles will attempt to put an abysmal 2025 season in the rearview mirror.
Theyve made significant upgrades to their starting rotation, trading for Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin. But will they stop there?
Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen are still available. Meanwhile, the rest of the free agent market is filled with veteran arms most likely searching for one or two-year deals.
One veteran who could help Baltimore? Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who wants to keep pitching despite turning 43 next month.
Verlander's postseason experience could help O's
Verlander posted a 2.99 ERA in 14 starts post-All-Star break with the San Francisco Giants last season, proving he can still be more than serviceable. His postseason experience could pay dividends for a rotation with little playoff experience.
"There's one big reason why it makes sense, though: Baltimore's current six-man rotation has logged a combined total of 33.1 innings pitched in the postseason, compared to Verlander's 226.0 innings and two World Series rings," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote Monday.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Baltimore's interest in Verlander last Friday.
In what should be an extremely competitive AL East, the Orioles have their work cut out for them if they want to avoid the Wild Card Series or missing the postseason altogether. It could pay to have a player with Verlander's pedigree in the clubhouse.
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