Beyond the injuries and regression of several players across the Baltimore Orioles' 2025 roster, last season was defined by the lack of pitching the organization had. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish gave the impression of dependable options at the top of the rotation, but the Orioles entered the offseason with pitching on their mind.
That is why pessimism initially grew when Baltimore's first move of the offseason was trading a starting pitcher to the Los Angeles Angels for another outfielder in Taylor Ward. Ward's power certainly will be appreciated, but while Grayson Rodriguez couldn't be counted on in 2026, he was certainly an option.