MLB Rumors: Orioles Going After "Multiple" Free Agent Pitchers Like These

The Baltimore Orioles made huge strides in 2022 to return to prominence in the American League. They inserted some top prospects into their lineup who should be the faces of the franchise going forward, players like catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson. But on the pitching side, work is still needed. And that's where they intend to bring in "multiple" veteran starters, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

GM Mike Elias said this month, "we're working the phones right now," and "we have some targets to bring in that have a lot of years under their belt." 

One name on their radar that fits perfectly would be Chris Bassitt, "who could start near or at the top of the rotation," according to Kubatko.

Expect Orioles utilize Free Agency to add their version of Charlie Morton. Stabilizing veteran presence the Analytics Dept feels is still ascending. A player you can get at a discount due to age, but unlock surplus value in performance.... Chris Bassitt or Ross Stripling?

— MLBExecutiveBurner (@HotStoveintel) October 5, 2022

Other names that fit within the Orioles pricing model (i.e. veteran, not the very top of the class, but the tiers right below, who could outperform their cost), include Jameson Taillon, Bassitt's Mets teammate in 2022 Taijuan Walker, Sean Manaea,  Nate Eovaldi and Ross Stripling.

If the O's can add a couple of those names to the incoming top pitching prospect in baseball, Grayson Rodriguez, they'll have the makings of a rotation that could help launch them into serious playoff contender status.

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports