Baltimore Orioles Should Prioritize World Series Champion in Free Agency

If the Baltimore Orioles are serious about contending in 2024 and beyond, they need to turn their eyes towards a World Series champion for help.

Kade Kistner | Dec 24, 2023

Baltimore Orioles Should Prioritize World Series Champion in Free Agency /

In this story:

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles made a lot of noise earlier this offseason when general manager Mike Elias made a bold statement that they were looking for significant pitching upgrades this winter.

Many believed that meant playing in the top of the free agent market.

Now, both of the top pitchers in Aaron Nola and Yoshinobu have been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. But those didn't come as a huge surprise.

With both off the board, perhaps the next free agent dominoes will fall.

For the Orioles, all eyes should be on former Texas Rangers and World Series champion Jordan Montgomery.

Montgomery was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Rangers at this year's MLB trade deadline. From there, he went to headline Texas' rotation in the postseason and helped guide them to their first World Series championship.

During his age-30 season, Montgomery put together the best year of his seven year career throwing 188.2 innings and posting a 3.20 ERA. He was only better down the stretch posting a 2.90 ERA in the postseason.

To acquire Montgomery might require an overpay on the Orioles' end. Teams like the New York Yankees and Mets, both teams who whiffed on Yamamoto, are likely to be pursuing his services. You can't rule out the Rangers trying to bring him back either, despite their television rights woes.

Montgomery represents playing at the top of the pitching market, but he also brings veteran leadership to a very young core and rotation. Having a guy in the locker room that has achieved and played at the highest level in the sport is invaluable knowledge for a young team. Something they have been lacking.

Montgomery is a perfect fit for Baltimore and is exactly what they need to bolster their chances for another postseason berth.

Published Dec 24, 2023

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.