Orioles buzz around top prospect sparks hope that 2025 will be completely forgotten

Beyond the injuries and regression of several players across the Baltimore Orioles' 2025 roster, last season was defined by the lack of pitching the organization had. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish gave the impression of dependable options at the top of the rotation, but the Orioles entered the offseason with pitching on their mind.

That is why pessimism initially grew when Baltimore's first move of the offseason was trading a starting pitcher to the Los Angeles Angels for another outfielder in Taylor Ward. Ward's power certainly will be appreciated, but while Grayson Rodriguez couldn't be counted on in 2026, he was certainly an option.

Even when the Orioles added to the backend of their bullpen by signing Ryan Helsley, many still feared that Mike Elias would be allergic to addressing the rotation. Pete Alonso's arrival was universally praised, but in the back of every Orioles fan's mind was the reality that the team still needed a starting pitcher.

Those fears were silenced last weekend when Baltimore made a massive trade for former first-round pick Shane Baz. Baz is under control through the 2028 season and provides Baltimore's rotation with a high-upside starting pitcher. While the Orioles could still add another established starting pitcher before the start of the season, their rotation is now stable.

Joseph Dzierwa could correct a repeating issue for the Orioles' player development in recent years

Even better than that, the Orioles' 2025 draft may have also provided them with some stability for the long-term outlook of their rotation. In the second round, the Orioles selected 21-year-old Joseh Dzierwa. Dzierward spent three seasons at Michigan State, and the impression is that he could ascend quickly through the Orioles' farm system. He has yet to throw a pitch professionally, but MLB Pipeline has him as the team's No. 13 prospect.

Beyond that, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter tabs Dzierwa as the breakout prospect for the Orioles next season. If Dzierwa's first professional season is anything like his final season with the Spartans, the hype would be deserved. The left-hander posted an ERA of 2.36 to finish out his college career while striking out 28% of the hitters he faced.

In recent years, the Orioles' farm system has been backed by the number of talented position players it has featured. Dzierwa and the idea that he could be on a fast track to the major league level is a nice change of pace.