Inside The Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Could Pursue Three-Time Cy Young Winner in Free Agency

The Baltimore Orioles need to replace Corbin Burnes in their rotation and a three-time Cy Young winner might be the answer.

Kade Kistner

Nov 7, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias speaks to the media during the MLB General Manager's Meetings at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias speaks to the media during the MLB General Manager's Meetings at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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The Baltimore Orioles have been relatively quiet this winter. The team lost out on bringing back Corbin Burnes, easily one of the best starters in MLB.

That type of loss, coupled with no real answer as a replacement and the Orioles sit woefully behind the New York Yankees when it comes to early power rankings in the American League East.

Despite the inaction, general manager Mike Elias will have to replace the innings lost by losing out on Burnes. But the market is growing thin.

Jack Flaherty, coming off of a career season with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, remains available in the free agent market. He will not come cheaply and could be looking for a contract in the three-year, $63 million range.

Other suggestions include trading for Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo who is reportedly being shopped around as the Mariners look to bring in some power bats. At 32 he still has some gas left in him and would come at a more affordable rate than Flaherty.

But there is another option still available - Max Scherzer.

The three-time Cy Young award winner is still looking for a home in 2025 and could be a great fit for Baltimore in terms of innings replacement. According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Orioles are looking for a short-term option to solidify the rotation.

Scherzer fits that bill and will likely only sign with a team who will be a clear cut contender. It appears to be a perfect match. Additionally, a one-year, $15 million deal could get this contract across the line. For a cost-conscious team like Baltimore, that could give them more flexibility this winter and at the MLB trade deadline.

However, Scherzer is a mixed bag. He's 40 years old, pitched just 43.1 innings last season with the Texas Rangers due to injury, but has maintained a sub-4 ERA for the vast majority of his career, including last season when he could take the mound.

Assuming his shoulder and back injuries that plagued him last season are behind him, Scherzer could be the answer to Baltimore's issues. If Scherzer could reach 150 innings pitched in 2025, something he hasn't done since 2023, it would be a massive win for both sides.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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