Orioles now have depth after signing Chris Bassitt but one thing is still missing

Last year, early-season injuries to the Baltimore Orioles rotation played a major role in their disappointing season. This offseason, the Orioles front office has invested heavily in starting pitching depth to help prevent a repeat of the same issue. The Orioles signed Chris Bassitt on Wednesday, and it appears their 2026 starting rotation is complete.

Now that the dust has settled and the 2026 rotation is clear, the end result of the offseason is underwhelming. At the start of the winter, Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias met with the media and shared with them his offseason wishlist. Every reporter on the Orioles beat listened and made his wishlist public.

Orioles fans knew that the team was going to be aggressive and "Plan A" was to get a top-of-the-rotation arm to slot in next to Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers.

Elias fell short of signing any of the top-tier free agents that would have fit his "Plan A" and also failed to work out a trade for any of the elite arms that were moved this offseason. Instead, he ended up settling for a plan that is eerily similar to what the Orioles rolled out last year. One that featured multiple one-year deals for older pitchers and a lot of hope resting on the shoulders of two pitchers at the top of the rotation with very shaky injury histories.

Adding Chris Bassitt gives the Orioles depth, but Baltimore still lacks star power

With the latest addition of Bassitt, here is what the Orioles rotation looks like.

1. Kyle Bradish, RHP
2. Trevor Rogers, LHP
3. Shane Baz, RHP
4. Chris Bassitt, RHP
5. Dean Kremer, RHP

The Orioles also signed Zach Eflin this offseason, and if he's at his best, he fits in as high as No. 3 on that list, but is recovering from a serious back surgery. So until he's full-go, it's best to assume he won't be on the Opening Day roster.

On top of Eflin, the O's also have Cade Povich, who has made 36 starts over the last two seasons. Those appearances have been to the tune of a 5.21 ERA, so it makes sense that he's on the outside looking in, but has shown improvement over the last few years. He'll either snag a bullpen role if he's able to make that adjustment, or hang out in Triple-A Norfolk until he's needed.

Additionally, it was reported that Tyler Wells is preparing for the season as a starter. Wells has been good in that role throughout his career, but his body has not been able to sustain a starter's workload. He'll most likely be in the bullpen to start the year, and be available to make spot starts when necessary.

Brandon Young and Albert Suarez will almost certainly start the season in Triple-A as additional starting pitching depth. Top pitching prospect Trey Gibson is likely make his debut at some point this season, although that'll most likely be during the second half of the season.

In total, the Orioles now have 11 starting pitchers that they can deploy if needed this season. That should be enough to make it through, even if the injury bug bites again.If the Orioles want to make it through the postseason, however, they should be looking to add that elusive top-of-the-rotation arm at the deadline.