Predicting the Orioles starting rotation after the trade deadline

Yes, it’s only May, but Orioles Nation is always looking toward the future until they get there. By August, expect the Baltimore Orioles rotation to look a lot different.

If the Orioles become sellers this summer, then lookout because Mike Elias might be looking for a new job. No, what’s more expect is that the rebuild should start taking place this year. With the help of current players, farm system stars, and maybe a new face, expect the O’s to have a mix-up before the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

The O’s have been busy in the bullpen, moving and trading players like it’s Monopoly-town, but the rotation has looked familiar besides the call-up of Kyle Bradish last month. So, what changes should occur? What new faces might we see? Let’s find out, by starting with which faces will look the same come the final summer months.

Projected Rotation Spot – 1:

Jordan Lyles 

The top spot in the Orioles rotation might be by association, but Jordan Lyles is not slouch when it comes to eating big league innings, and fooling hitters. He has only averaged 5.5 innings per game this season, but he has shown the ability to go long on occasion. He normally might be viewed as a piece to a trade, but Elias and the O’s are in no position to be trading away anyone of promise.

Predicting the Orioles starting rotation after the trade deadline

Projected Rotation Spot – 3:

Bruce Zimmermann 

Charm Cities own Bruce Zimmermann has been everything as advertised so far in 2022. Brucey is currently 2-2, with a 2.72 ERA (best on the O’s staff), and has fooled 32 hitters. In the absence of John Means, he has been the needed spoke to keep the rotation rolling. I wouldn’t expect anything to change either, because he historically only gets hotter with time.

Projected Rotation Spot – 4:

Kyle Bradish

KB is currently 4th on the O’s depth chart, and I wouldn’t expect to move anywhere, unless it’s up. Predominantly showcased by his fastball and slider, Bradish has been fooling hitters well into his second month of play. The upside on Kyle Bradish is endless, so expect him to still be in the heart of the rotation a few months from now, potentially even vying to move up a spot or two.