Orioles rumors: Baltimore chases an ace, Anthony Santander update

Orioles fans are well aware that Baltimore needs a top-end starting pitcher. It's been discussed heavily throughout the offseason but until the Orioles actually make a move, whether that be a free agent signing or a trade, it's going to remain at the forefront of the conversation.

Most recently, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic mentioned that the Orioles are one of four teams who have reached out and been in touch with the Mariners in regard to right hander Luis Castillo. The three-time All Star has been mentioned in this space a number of times as a potential target for the Orioles. He's someone who could come in and lead the O's rotation right away, and is under contract at an attractive price point for another three seasons.

Castillo was much better in Seattle than he was away from home in 2024, though that's generally true of all Mariners pitchers. Seattle is one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the majors. Baltimore used to be on the other end of the spectrum but even with the news that the left field wall is moving in, it's played more friendly toward pitchers over the past three seasons.

Castillo has posted an ERA above 4.00 just once in his career, back in 2018. His strikeout rate dipped a bit in 2024 but his walk rates have been exceptional and he's been one of the more consistent starters in the league over time - since his first full season in 2018, Castillo's 1,140.2 innings pitched are sixth most in the majors and he has a 3.59 ERA over that stretch.

With a number of starters already off the board, the Orioles will have to get creative to reinforce the rotation

If the Orioles aren't able to land Castillo, who will surely be an expensive acquisition, they've also been connected to Padres' star Dylan Cease. Either of Castillo or Cease would give the Orioles the true ace that they're looking for. There are other options out there, but few with the upside that a Cease or a Castillo would provide.

One such fallback option is former Oriole Jack Flaherty. In the same article linked above, Rosenthal mentions Flaherty as a potential target for the Orioles if they do miss out on one of the remaining top starters.

The Orioles acquired the righty back at the trade deadline in 2023 but he faltered in Baltimore down the stretch and left unceremoniously in free agency that winter. Naturally, Flaherty was massively successful with Detroit in the first half of 2024 and wound up being traded to the eventual World Series champion Dodgers, where he pitched well in the second half. Many O's fans would find a Flaherty reunion uninspiring, and it's tough to blame them. However, if Flaherty is able to stay healthy and pitch as well as he did in 2024, it'd work out in Baltimore's favor.

Lastly, former Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander has been rumored to be seeking a 5 year deal in free agency. Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported that Santander is looking for a long-term deal and has remained in contact with Toronto and Boston, and would be a potential fit in a number of other locations.

It has been speculated that the Orioles might find a way to reunite with the free agent slugger but if the rumors are true that he's looking for 5 years, it's likely the case that he'll push $100 million in total and it's tough to see how the Orioles will justify that price point after recently bringing in Tyler O'Neill for $50 million just last week.

We'd love to see the O's find a way to keep Santander in Baltimore but the guy deserves to be paid. If Mike Elias isn't willing to give Santander what he's earned, it'd be better to see him wind up with a team that'll give him the most money.