The Baltimore Orioles are staring down the barrel of missing a postseason berth. They’re sitting five agonizing games behind the Chicago White Sox for that third American League Wild Card spot, and with just six games left on the schedule, the math is brutal. It’s no shocker then that Baltimore’s front office may have already shifted its gaze directly to the upcoming offseason, because what’s ahead looks like a serious problem.
Alonso’s Monster Effort Won’t Cover This Pitching Problem
Last winter, the Orioles made one of the best moves in free agency, snagging All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso. The guy has delivered, putting together a great season at the plate, doing everything he can. But even a talent like Alonso hasn’t been enough to mask the gaping hole that is the pitching staff’s lack of production. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller didn’t mince words, writing that the Orioles absolutely have to improve their rotation heading into next season. The situation is dire, especially with two key arms headed for the open market.
The “AL East Basement” Warning Is Louder Than Ever
This winter, the club is set to lose Trevor Rogers and Chris Bassitt to free agency. Miller made it clear: those controllable players the team *does* have better be candidates for the 2027 starting rotation. Otherwise, the future looks bleak. As things stand, the Orioles are looking at Shane Baz, Brandon Young, and Kyle Bradish as their main trio for next season. Miller’s take on that group? It “sounds like the recipe for another year in the AL East basement.” That’s a stark warning, folks. This team can’t afford to be stuck at the bottom of the division again.
There should definitely be some level of interest in bringing Rogers back. He finished ninth in Cy Young voting in 2025 and put up a respectable 4.07 ERA in 29 starts this year. Losing a proven arm like that would be a huge blow. As for Bassitt, at 37 years old, the club will likely let him walk into free agency. Whatever decisions are made, Miller’s message is crystal clear: the Orioles simply cannot stand idle. They can’t watch reliable, proven starters get snapped up by other teams. This front office has got to be aggressive in pursuing talented arms. Their future in the AL East depends on it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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