MLB insider who usually botches takes actually nails Orioles’ next move

The Baltimore Orioles may not have addressed their top priority yet, but it's hard to complain about how the offseason has unfolded. The Orioles struck early last month, adding slugging outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels and earmarking Ryan Helsley for the backend of their bullpen, but it was their signing of Pete Alonso at the Winter Meetings that stole the show.

Heading into the stretch of the offseason, it's clear what the Orioles must do: add a starting pitcher. The Orioles are strong at the top of their rotation with Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, but need another established arm to provide stability.

Jim Bowden is surprisingly accurate with who the Orioles should still be targeting in free agency

Getting ready to segue into the latest from The Athletic's Jim Bowden, this is often where we would offer some quip about it being a reminder that he is no longer employed by a Major League Baseball team. This time, however, in his latest matchmaking efforts for current free agents, Bowden has some pretty spot-on takes.

No surprise, but name a free-agent starting pitcher, and Bowden has the Orioles as a potential fit for them. Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Michael King are the specific names that Bowden has on the Orioles' radar. Of the three, he has the Orioles as the top fit for Suárez.

Given the connection to Mike Elias, Valdez is going to be a rumored connection until the day he signs elsewhere. Similarly, the Orioles have been heavily linked to King in recent days, but he could be angling for a homecoming of sorts with the Boston Red Sox.

Editor's Note: King has signed a three-year deal with the San Diego Padres worth $75M. The deal also includes opt-outs after the first two years.

Suárez is an intriguing option. Dealing with a recurring back injury in recent years, he's not expected to get paid as if he were the top pitcher available this offseason. However, he's been nothing if not consistent during his time with the Phillies. Last season, in 26 starts, Suárez posted a 3.20 ERA with a groundball rate of 46.8%. The fact that Suárez isn't a strikeout pitcher could also be a reason why King's market has heated up before his.

Whereas teams would be signing King for the purpose of him ascending toward the top of the rotation, with Rogers and Bradish already on the roster, the Orioles don't really need that from the pitcher they add. It's why Suárez could be the starting pitcher they land on.