The Orioles have not finished in first place since 1997. They led the AL East by 2 1/2 games going into Tuesday. Even Baltimore officials admit their glaring need is a top-of-the-rotation piece. There are a few available in the market.
Yet, multiple executives who have dealt with the Orioles describe a team unwilling to move any of its three well-regarded young starters: Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy or Hunter Harvey.
If this holds, the Orioles will have to shoot for a more mid-tier starter similar to Bud Norris, whom they obtained at last year’s deadline, rather than make a significant play for Boston’s Jon Lester or Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels. Lester is a free agent after this season and Baltimore does not want to expend a big prospect for a dozen or so starts. Hamels is signed for big money through 2018 and – under owner Peter Angelos – the Orioles have been slow moving and cautious about taking on significant money.
“We are looking for pitching depth,” Baltimore general manager Dan Duquette said by phone. “We are going to try to supplement our team. When you get to this time of year, you want to do what you can to help win a championship.”
Baltimore also would like to add a lefty reliever, upgrade at second base and find offensive help at catcher with Matt Wieters out for the year. However, the Orioles are said to be concerned about adding a catcher and integrating him with a pitching staff at such a vital point of the season. A source with insight into the Orioles’ plans says – despite rumors – they are not in on Minnesota catcher Kurt Suzuki.