Orioles Eye Depth Over Dominance in Pitching Rotation

SARASOTA, Fla. — Orioles General Manager Mike Elias discussed the team’s offseason strategy during a press conference Sunday morning, amidst questions about their pitching depth ahead of the new season.

With Opening Day just around the corner, Elias reflected on the decision to forgo signing an elite pitcher like Corbin Burnes, who was acquired by the Diamondbacks for $35 million per season, instead opting for three veteran pitchers: Charlie Morton, Kyle Gibson, and Hiroki Kuroda, all aged 34 and above.

The combined salaries of Morton, Gibson, and Kuroda reached $33 million, a significant investment aimed at bolstering the team’s depth rather than establishing a singular ace in the rotation. It marks a shift in strategy, considering the Orioles’ rotation will average nearly 35 years old once Gibson is added.

“The experience is certainly nice to have,” Elias said. “It certainly isn’t a goal in and of itself to have the oldest rotation, but it speaks to the durability and track record these guys have presented.”

Last season, Baltimore faced a myriad of pitching injuries, losing starters Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells to season-ending elbow surgeries early in the year. This year, the Orioles aim to avoid similar setbacks by prioritizing depth.

The new additions, along with current pitchers Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, and the injured Bradish and Wells, provide a wealth of options for Manager Brandon Hyde. “I do think looking at the landscape of Major League Baseball right now… it’s almost like a survivorship to guys that can get that late in their career and stay healthy,” Elias noted.

While some baseball analysts argue the strategy is fundamentally flawed, Elias contends that developing a solid rotation depth allows for flexibility as the season unfolds. Comparing projected wins above replacement (WAR), Burnes holds a projected 3.6, while Morton, Gibson, and Kuroda combined for a total of 3.0 — a statistic that Elias assures fans will not define the team’s success.

“I think we approach every winter, every offseason as we’re building a roster trying to compile a team that can get us into the playoffs, produce a certain number of wins,” Elias emphasized. “And that can come in different shapes and sizes.”

As the Orioles prepare for their 162-game season, starting with their matchup against the Blue Jays on Thursday, the team and fans alike will eagerly watch how the chosen strategy plays out on the field.

For further updates, fans can reach Jacob Calvin Meyer at 410-332-6200.

Opening Day: Orioles at Blue Jays Thursday, 3:07 p.m. TV: MASN2 Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM