MLB Rumors: Michael Wacha Has Suitor Within The Division

Michael Wacha had an under-the-radar terrific season for the Boston Red Sox in 2022, going 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 23 starts. Now an intra-divisional rival may be eyeing the 31-year-old.

#Orioles showing continued interest in Michael Wacha, whose market could move quickly now that Syndergaard and Lorenzen reportedly have reached agreements elsewhere. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 15, 2022

The Baltimore Orioles are "showing continued interest" in Wacha, according to MLB Insider Jon Morosi.

The O's came into the offseason with a stated goal of spending money, and spending it largely on upgrading their starting rotation. But now with many of the biggest names off the board, they'll need to move quickly to get their arms in place.

Wacha's 2022 showed he's still got something valuable to offer, as his previous two seasons were less than stellar. In 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays he pitched to a 5.05 ERA, though his strikeout-to-walk ratio was still solid, at 121:31. In the shortened 2020 season, however, he struggled even more in eight starts with the New York Mets, with an unsightly 6.62 ERA and an equally dreadful 1.56 WHIP. 

The Red Sox did not make a Qualifying Offer to Wacha after the season, feeling his value was well below the $19.65M per year threshold. His market has been eerily quiet to this point in the offseason, though Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom confirmed last week that the Red Sox are "interested in a reunion" with Wacha, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. 

No word if any offers have been made, either by the Red Sox, the Orioles, or any other team.

 Photo: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports