3 starting pitchers the Orioles should targeting this offseason to steady the rotation

The Baltimore Orioles starting rotation has underwhelmed throughout the 2026 season. No calendar month has seen the Orioles starters collectively post an ERA under 4.00, one of just four teams not to do that in MLB this season. While the O's have seen individual pitchers have a month of strong work, Brandon Young is the only pitcher to not have a month with four or more starts and an ERA over 4.00.

If Baltimore wants to have success in 2027, consistency in the rotation is going to be key. Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish each got long-term extensions this season, and Young won't be a free agent until 2032. While Trevor Rogers is a free agent at the end of the season, it would be odd for Baltimore not to do everything in their power to retain him after his breakout with them.

That leaves one more spot. Chris Bassitt is also a free agent, and it would seem unlikely that they would opt to re-sign him. This offseason will see some pitchers who could be perfect additions to the Orioles rotation, as well as some potential trade candidates.

Sonny Gray

The 36-year-old has a mutual option with the Red Sox that is unlikely to be picked up. He'll likely be headed into free agency looking for his last big contract for his age-37 seasons and beyond, and Baltimore should be the team that gives it to him. Gray proved he can still be a workhorse late into his career, and because he is a pitcher that relies on spin and location rather than velocity, there's no reason to think he won't be effective.

The Orioles could use a pitcher who will take the ball every turn of the rotation and give them five to six innings of quality work. Gray has looked like an ace during stretches in Boston this year, but even if he steps back and is more of a mid-3s ERA pitcher, that would still be very valuable to the O's. Even if it requires a two-to-three-year commitment and a high AAV, he could be a stabilizing force.

George Kirby

The 28-year-old righty could be a game changer for the O's. Kirby isn't having the bounce-back season he and the Mariners had hoped for in 2026, but he is a top of the rotation arm who has shown workhorse ability and has a top-ten Cy Young finish in his young career.

Kirby has two seasons of team control after 2026 and will pitch all of 2027 at age 29. He will cost Baltimore a haul of prospects, but after rebuilding their farm system at the deadline, it shouldn't be as much of a concern. If he can get back to 2023 and '24 form, he could be just the pitcher the Orioles need at the top of their rotation.

Clay Holmes

Since Holmes converted from reliever to starter when he signed with the Mets last season, he has been one of the best starters in baseball. His 2.09 ERA is the eighth-best among all starters since the start of 2025. A pitcher of his caliber could be the type to put Baltimore over the top.

Holmes has a player option that he will almost certainly decline to become a free agent this offseason. He'll turn 34 right at the start of the 2027 season, which means he'll likely be looking for a long-term deal with a high AAV, but the Orioles opening the checkbook to bring him to Baltimore should be at the top of their priorities.

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