Baltimore Orioles Will Only Acquire Elite Starter For Right Price

Unless something drastically changes in the trade market, it seems like the Baltimore Orioles won't make a move.

What is the "right price?"

That's something only Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias can answer as they continue to navigate this offseason searching for starting pitching.

This has been the topic surrounding the Orioles since November 2023 when Elias said he was searching for a starter at the GM Meetings, then once again at the Winter Meetings.

One could view their approach as being too passive.

Despite the high asking price of the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore's clear need for an ace in their rotation was never more evident than last year in the playoffs when their 101-win team was swept in the ALDS.

And while plenty of people have their opinions on who or who should not be included in trade conversations, another reality from stockpiling so many elite prospects and having them continue to sit in the minors is that their value could depreciate.

Ben Clemons of FanGraphs laid out an excellent piece on how the Orioles are operating in a way that is rare, and borderline unprecedented, for a team entering their contending phase.

With that said, there's still time for them to get something done and manager Brandon Hyde said he knows the front office is still attempting to accomplish their goal of adding an elite starter.

"I'm sure he’s trying -- I know he's trying," he said at their opening ceremony for their new Dominican Academy.

But again, this will come down to price.

To get someone as talented as Dylan Cease, Baltimore will have to give up some elite prospects in return.

Everyone knows that, and certainly Elias knows that.

The conversation continues to center around who should be included in the trade package that would bring back a Cy Young runner-up from two seasons ago, that will be cost a beyond reasonable price in 2024, and is under club control for another year.

Elias continues to wait for that "right price" to emerge.

It seems like it may never appear and the Orioles will enter the upcoming season with virtually the same rotation, despite their clear need for more help.