Orioles’ maligned 2024 trade deadline acquisition changing narrative after another great outing

It took just four starts in an Orioles uniform for the book to be written, for some, on Trevor Rogers.

The left-hander was acquired by Baltimore at last year's trade deadline for a pair of MLB-ready prospects in Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby. Given Miami's roster construction, Stowers and Norby found immediate paths to playing time, a luxury that they would not have been afforded given the O's ability to contend. Rogers, however, had a harder time finding his footing with the Orioles.

In four starts last season, Rogers posted a 7.11 ERA, walking nearly five batters per nine innings. His fastball, which he threw nearly half the time, had noticeably diminished velocity, raising questions about whether or not he would once again reach the heights of his All-Star campaign back in 2021.

At the time, Mike Elias had noted that Rogers needed a bit of a reset after throwing a ton of innings for the Marlins. Many though, were quick to point out that Stowers and Norby were contributing in the big leagues, dismissing any explanation of why Rogers may have taken some more time to adjust. That cry only grew louder to start 2025, as Stowers got off to a scorching hot start to the year.

The conversation has taken a drastic shift over the last few weeks.

Orioles' Trevor Rogers conversation taking drastic shift after hot streak

Rogers made his season debut for the Orioles in late May, tossing a gem against the Boston Red Sox. His fastball velocity and overall command took huge steps in the right direction, providing signs of good things to come.

Rogers' start against the Rangers on Monday only strengthened his case. The lefty threw eight innings of shutout baseball with no walks, allowing just three hits. According to MLB's research tool, his four-seamer reached 96 mph three times in the outing, a number he hadn't reached since April 2023. It improved his ERA to a 1.62 on the year and showcased what kind of pitcher he can be.

Of course, three games in 2025 is too few to judge how Rogers' season will turn out. But, using that logic, four games in 2024 was much too quick to judge a much-criticized deal, too.

Rogers, though, looks like a completely different pitcher than the one that has struggled over the last few years. The Orioles just may have been able to identify and predict this kind of turnaround.