Despite acquiring Charlie Morton, the Baltimore Orioles still need to enhance their starting pitching rotation before the Opening Day in 2025.
After parting ways with ace starter Corbin Burnes, who joined the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason, the Baltimore Orioles secured a lackluster replacement in Charlie Morton. It signifies a notable decline at one of baseball’s top spots for a team aiming for the World Series.
At this point in his career, Morton mainly serves as an innings-eater, making it difficult to picture him as the ace that the team urgently requires. If the Orioles believe he can replace the gap created by Burnes’ exit, they are mistaken. Or does Baltimore possess additional tactic(s) this winter?
Regardless, at this moment, Morton leads Baltimore’s uninspiring efforts to fill the void left by Burnes leaving. Considering that, here’s the state of the Orioles rotation as they approach the 2025 MLB season after the signing of the former.
How the Orioles rotation shakes out after replacing Corbin Burnes with Charlie Morton
|
Rank |
Name |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Grayson Rodriguez, RHP |
|
2 |
Zach Eflin, RHP |
|
3 |
Dean Kremer, RHP |
|
4 |
Charlie Morton, RHP |
|
5 |
Albert Suárez, RHP |
|
6 |
Kyle Bradish, RHP |
Baltimore has a shortage of left-handed pitchers, as you might notice (or might not, we guess). That was a problem in 2024 too, which Burnes did not resolve. Yet his skill was sufficient to surpass the hurdle. Is the same true for Morton as he begins his age-41 season? Likely not, although stranger events have occurred.
Grayson Rodriguez is most appropriate as a No. 2/3 choice for a competitive rotation. However, unless something unexpected occurs, he is likely to be chosen for Baltimore on Opening Day next season. The 25-year-old will begin spring training without any physical restrictions, having completely healed from a right lat strain that had troubled him earlier.
Morton won’t be expected to serve as Baltimore’s top pitcher without Burnes. Nevertheless, the two-time All-Star’s background and expertise as an aging pitcher might be crucial for the Orioles during pivotal instances.
Furthermore, following his Tommy John surgery in mid-June, Kyle Bradish is said to have resumed throwing with the aim of a return by midseason. His inclusion in the mix should assist in offsetting Burnes’ departure.
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