Baltimore Orioles eye Ranger Suarez to elevate rotation
The Baltimore Orioles have been making waves this offseason, assembling a formidable roster. With the additions of stars like Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Shane Baz, and Zach Eflin, the team is laying the groundwork for a competitive season. Yet, even amidst these significant signings, there remains a crucial piece missing: a frontline starting pitcher.
Pursuit of Ranger Suarez
Recent reports indicate that the Orioles are among the teams vying for free agent left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez, who is still available on the market. Other contenders for Suarez’s services include the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and San Francisco Giants, all of whom recognize the value he brings to a pitching rotation.
Suarez is coming off a productive season with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he recorded a 12-8 record alongside a 3.20 ERA. His impressive statistics also include a 1.22 WHIP, 151 strikeouts, and a 4.7 bWAR over 157.1 innings spread across 26 starts. At just 30 years old, Suarez has established himself as one of the premier starters in the National League over the past two seasons, making him a coveted asset for any team looking to solidify its rotation.
Current Rotation and Future Prospects
The Orioles’ current pitching lineup features Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Baz, Eflin, and Dean Kremer. This mix offers a blend of talent and potential, but the addition of a proven ace like Suarez could elevate their standing significantly. Behind this core, Baltimore also has depth options like Tyler Wells, Brandon Young, and Cade Povich, who can provide support as the season progresses.
If for some reason the Orioles do not land Suarez, they may also look to another left-handed starter, Framber Valdez. The 32-year-old Valdez had a solid season with the Houston Astros, finishing with a 13-11 record, a 3.66 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP. His ability to strike out 187 batters in 192 innings across 31 starts makes him another strong candidate to enhance Baltimore’s rotation.
As the Orioles continue their pursuit of a top-tier pitcher, the potential acquisition of either Suarez or Valdez could be a game-changer, positioning the team for a successful campaign ahead.
