The Baltimore Orioles have made some notable strides in enhancing their pitching staff, notably through free agent signings like Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano. While these acquisitions provide depth, they have not been enough to convince most experts that the Orioles are solid contenders for a deep playoff run with the current rotation configuration.
Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, both seasoned pitchers, offer valuable experience, but neither one is considered an ace—an essential piece for a team aspiring to compete in the postseason. Without an elite pitcher who can lead the rotation, the Orioles’ pitching staff still appears to be lacking a crucial element. The absence of a true ace could ultimately hinder the team’s chances when it matters most, particularly as they look to make a serious playoff push.
The challenge facing the Orioles is clear: replacing someone like Corbin Burnes, who was previously part of the rotation, is no small task. While Burnes was a consistent, high-level performer, his departure to the Arizona Diamondbacks left a significant gap. Baltimore’s efforts to patch the rotation with Morton and Sugano, though commendable, fall short of filling the void left by Burnes. This is likely why the Orioles have been linked to nearly every notable starting pitcher on the market or available via trade.
With free agency options running out, the Orioles face a critical decision—do they swing for a major trade to acquire a top-tier ace, or settle for what’s left in the market? The answer may be emerging, as reports indicate that a blockbuster trade could be on the horizon. The Orioles’ pursuit of a new ace is becoming clearer, especially with their previous interest in star pitcher Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres.
Cease, widely regarded as one of the premier pitchers in the game, stands out as an ideal trade target for Baltimore. Like Burnes, Cease is known for his consistency, reliability, and ability to stay healthy throughout a full season. His durability, with a minimum of 32 starts in each of the last four seasons, makes him a particularly attractive option for a team in need of stability at the top of their rotation.
Rachael Millanta, a respected baseball analyst for Just Baseball, has identified the Orioles as a perfect fit for acquiring Cease. Millanta argues that the Orioles’ deep farm system, filled with young, talented hitters, provides a valuable trade package that could entice the Padres to part with their ace. The Padres have already traded away several top prospects in recent seasons to secure current talent, which has left their farm system depleted. In contrast, the Orioles are known for developing strong hitters, giving them a unique position to strike a deal.
From the Padres’ perspective, the Orioles are an ideal trade partner for Cease. The team is in need of a top-tier starter to anchor their rotation, and Cease fits the bill perfectly. Additionally, the Padres’ lack of strong prospects makes the Orioles an even more appealing trade partner, as they can offer a promising group of young hitters who could provide a significant boost to San Diego’s lineup.
For Baltimore, acquiring Cease would be a perfect solution to the problem of replacing Burnes. The right-handed pitcher would slot seamlessly into the Orioles’ rotation, providing the consistency and reliability they are missing. Cease’s youth and experience make him an even more appealing option than Burnes. At just 29 years old and with only six seasons in the league, Cease has the potential to be an upgrade over Burnes, who is over a year older and has had more time in the majors.
However, the Orioles face a difficult decision: Cease is slated to become a free agent after the upcoming season. The Orioles must not only consider the trade cost but also weigh the risk of losing Cease in just one year. While the Orioles’ original plan was to retain Burnes long-term, that plan fell apart. If they are going to invest heavily in a pitcher like Cease, they need to be confident they can lock him down for the future.
The risk of acquiring a player who may only stay for a short time is something Baltimore must carefully consider. If the Orioles are not certain they can sign Cease to a long-term deal, they might be better off looking at other trade options. The fear of losing a valuable asset after only one season, especially after already losing Burnes, could push them to explore other possibilities.
On the other hand, if the Orioles believe they can negotiate a long-term contract with Cease, he would be the perfect addition to their rotation. His ability to handle the pressure of being an ace and his track record of success make him a prime candidate to help lead the Orioles to the next level. If Baltimore can secure Cease’s services for the long term, they would have a cornerstone player in their rotation for years to come.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Orioles have the opportunity to make a splash by acquiring one of the best pitchers in baseball, Dylan Cease. The fit is almost too perfect, with Cease offering the reliability and consistency the Orioles desperately need. However, the potential risk of only having him for a short time before he becomes a free agent is a significant factor to consider. If the Orioles are willing to make the investment and lock Cease down long-term, they could have found the ace they’ve been searching for, positioning themselves as true contenders in the postseason.
