The Baltimore Orioles came into this offseason with a clear need: bolster the starting rotation. And as pitchers and catchers report to spring training, that need still lingers.
No big-name addition. No headline-grabbing trade.
Just a lot of questions - and a few eyebrow-raising answers from Mike Elias.
The Orioles’ president of baseball operations met with reporters and was asked the obvious: where’s the frontline starter? Elias didn’t flinch.
In fact, he doubled down, saying it wouldn’t be a disappointment if Baltimore didn’t add another starting pitcher this offseason. More than that, he claimed the Orioles already have a strong rotation.
Now, let’s be fair - there’s some talent here. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, if healthy, give Baltimore a solid 1-2 punch.
Shane Baz has electric stuff and could break out if everything clicks. That’s a trio with real upside.
But depth matters. And after those three, things start to get shaky.
Dean Kremer and Zach Eflin round out the projected rotation, and while both have had their moments, they’re far from sure things.
What makes Elias’ comments harder to digest is what the Orioles reportedly tried to do just a few weeks ago. Baltimore was in the mix for Ranger Suárez before the Red Sox landed him on a $130 million deal.
That kind of pursuit doesn’t scream “we’re satisfied with our rotation.” It suggests the front office knows reinforcements are needed - or at least were wanted.
Let’s talk about Baz for a second. There’s no denying his ceiling is high.
He’s got the kind of arm that could change the narrative around this rotation if he puts it all together. But banking on potential is a risky game, especially for a team with postseason aspirations.
If Baz doesn’t hit that ceiling - or if any of the top three arms miss time - the Orioles could be in real trouble.
That’s where the frustration sets in for fans. The Detroit Tigers, for example, didn’t sit back.
They went out and signed both Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, adding experience and durability to their staff. Baltimore, on the other hand, seems to be rolling the dice - again.
This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation.
The Orioles have made real progress over the last few seasons, and the roster as a whole is better than it was at the end of 2025. But the rotation?
It doesn’t look like the kind of group that can carry a team deep into October - not without some help.
Elias’ confidence in this group might come back to haunt him. If the rotation falters, if injuries strike, or if Baz doesn’t take that next step, the lack of action this winter could be the storyline of the Orioles’ 2026 season. And fair or not, it could also be the move - or non-move - that defines Elias’ future in Baltimore.
For now, the Orioles are betting on what they have. But in a league where pitching depth is everything, that bet feels a little too familiar - and a little too risky.