After a disappointing end to their season, the Baltimore Orioles are chomping at the bit to return to contention in 2025.
The Orioles may lose ace starter Corbin Burnes in free agency, which means that Baltimore needs to be diligent with its own shopping on the starting pitcher market.
One name that’s been linked to the Orioles in free agency is Jack Flaherty of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer named Baltimore as a potential landing spot for Flaherty.
“Fueled by a reinvigorated fastball and one of the better curveballs in the league, the righty finished in the top 10 among qualified starters in strikeout-to-walk ratio,” Rymer said. “He gave up three earned runs or fewer in 23 of his 28 starts.”
“Flaherty did have some back issues in the middle of the season, and he seemed out of gas by the end of it. The worst fastball velocity he had all year was in his last two starts.”
“This wasn't totally unexpected, however. Nor is it necessarily a five-alarm fire. Flaherty will only turn 29 on October 15, making him relatively young for a high-upside free-agent pitcher.”
“He could be in for Eduardo Rodriguez money, a la four years and $80 million. And if his market really picks up, it's a short leap from there to nine figures.”
Baltimore’s offense is too young and talented for the Orioles’ front office not to spend handsomely to ensure that the pitching staff is up to snuff. Look for Flaherty to be in many Orioles discussions this offseason, especially if Burnes lands elsewhere.
More MLB: Giants could offer Braves All-Star $200 million deal this offseason
