Baltimore Orioles: Power Ranking Of American League East Rotations

Contributor Ari Ezra power ranks the AL East starting rotations as we head into 2020. We know where the Baltimore Orioles rank.

The American League East has been one of the top stories of the off-season. Whether it be drama in Boston regarding the managerial situation or the big additions of arms like Gerrit Cole and Hyun-Jin Ryu, AL East teams have made a lot of noise this offseason

They say pitching wins baseball games, so let’s rank every AL East team’s pitching staff going into the 2020 season. You can probably guess where the Baltimore Orioles enter on this list.

5) Baltimore Orioles

Predicted Rotation

• John Means
• Alex Cobb
• Asher Wojciechowski
• Kohl Stewart, Keegan Akin, Wade LeBlanc
• David Hess, Brandon Bailey, Michael Rucker

2019 Team ERA: 5.59

Key Additions: Kohl Stewart (FA), Brandon Bailey (Rule 5 Pick), Michael Rucker (Rule 5 Pick), Wade LeBlanc (FA)

The Orioles are not only last on my power rankings but were statistically the worst in Major League Baseball.

All-Star LHP John Means had a great 2019 season and looks to keep it going in 2020. From there, it is a mix of starters who Brandon Hyde will have to try out throughout spring training and into the regular season. Alex Cobb was not much of a factor in 2019  as he was recovering from another injury. The Orioles will need to see Cobb take the big step they have patiently been waiting for since his arrival in 2018.

Asher Wojciechowski had some glimpses of promise during last season and looks to secure a spot in the Orioles rotation. For the last two slots, it is very much up in the air. Additions in the offseason like LeBlanc or Stewart could fill these spots. It could also be someone who was already in the organization such as Hess or Akin.

4) Toronto Blue Jays

Predicted Rotation:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu
• Tanner Roark
• Chase Anderson
• Matt Shoemaker
• Anthony Kay

2019 team ERA: 4.79

Key Additions: Hyun-Jin Ryu (FA), Tanner Roark (FA), Chase Anderson (Trade)

The Toronto Blue Jays also struggled mightily with their starting pitching last season. In free agency, they made a couple of splashes which could have their rotation looking a lot better heading into the new season.

The Jays acquired All-Star and Cy-Young runner up Hyun-Jin Ryu in free agency. He will lead their rotation and have a leadership role with a very young team filled with upcoming stars. Tanner Roark was also acquired through free agency. Roark is a seasoned veteran who will give a solid 5-6 innings per start. He will play an important role in which is thought to be the number two spot.

At three and four, the Jays will yet again have starters that are new to the squad. Chase Anderson was acquired in a trade with the Brewers and Matt Shoemaker came over to the Jays last season, only pitching in five games. I believe the five spot will go to Anthony Kay who came over in the Marcus Stroman trade.