Mike Elias’ post-trade comments should have Orioles exec down to his last chance

We've heard the song and dance before. The Baltimore Orioles need pitching, particularly starting pitching, and Mike Elias is acutely aware. The embattled executive made sure we all knew that he is willing to do what it takes to land a big arm in Baltimore long before hot stove season officially kicked off.

Yet, so far, all we've seen is a trade that has further exacerbated a roster crunch while thinning the rotation depth even more, with him sending Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Taylor Ward.

Rodriguez wasn't the perfect starter thanks to his lengthy injury history and incomplete development, but now one could argue that multiple additions are needed beyond simply a horse at the top. Elias remains steadfast in his commitment, speaking with reporters about the Ward trade fallout.

“I've been pretty clear and direct. We're trying to find -- whether it's top or front or top half of the rotation, all of those buckets,” Elias said. “We're trying, and there are guys out there, and we are in pursuit of every one of them.”

All well and good, but when is it going to happen, Mike?

Mike Elias keeps repeating the same song and dance about the Orioles' rotation needs, but he's down to his last chance to actually fix the situation

Here's the reality of the situation: the Orioles aren't the only club scouring for top-of-the-rotation arms. Their competition is going to be fierce and includes some chief rivals.

The New York Yankees are looking for a big-time starter to help with the uncertainty in their rotation, given the injury situation they face. The Boston Red Sox have made slotting a standout No. 2 behind Garrett Crochet a priority as well.

Then there's the big spenders from outside the division who will drive up prices. The New York Mets have pockets as deep as anyone, and they're in search of a rotation leader as well. The Philadelphia Phllies have an opening in their unit, too.

Another look at the division shows why the need is so dire. The Yankees led the league in runs scored in 2025 and will be looking to add even more offense. The Blue Jays were fourth and have been linked to some of the biggest bats, like Kyle Tucker. The Red Sox finished seventh in runs scored and have made adding even more pop a priority this winter. The AL East is a gauntlet that is only set to get more difficult to navigate.

None of this is news to Elias. It was the same situation last year when, after being spurned by Corbin Burnes, his pivots were the likes of Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton. Another showing like that, and it will be the end of the line for Elias in Baltimore. He knows this, so let's see if he acts accordingly.