Orioles' 'suspect' rotation gets offseason prediction for Pete Alonso reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Orioles are looking to have a big offseason after another disappointing year without a postseason appearance.
Baltimore's rotation could use a few frontline starters, as Trevor Rogers and Chris Bassitt are soon to be unrestricted free agents.
"Whether it's [Shane] Baz or [Kyle] Bradish starting on Opening Day, let's just say Baltimore isn't projected for a top-10 spot in any sort of 'Ranking the 30 Opening Day Starting Pitchers' article.
"There's also ample room for improvement in the combination of Trey Gibson, Cade Povich, Michael Forret and Luis De León for the No. 4 and No. 5 spots in the rotation," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote.
Miller predicts the Orioles will trade for an "ace-caliber rental" this offseason, similar to the trade they made a few years ago for Corbin Burnes.
They couldn't have asked much more from Burnes, who finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting in his one season with Baltimore.
The overall goal is to ensure that the Orioles are competing in the postseason with slugger Pete Alonso in the middle of the lineup.
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"They didn't sign Pete Alonso for $155M so he could work on his golf game every October," Miller added.
Missing out on the playoffs for consecutive seasons with Alonso would be a massive letdown for Orioles fans.
If the Orioles can add a few reliable starting pitchers, they might be playing games in October as early as next year.
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