Baltimore Orioles: What does the future have in store for Orioles?
By Nate Wardle
3. Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman
Chris Tillman has been a rock solid starter during his time as a Baltimore Orioles. People want to argue that he is or is not a number one starter, but he has been for the Baltimore Orioles.
However, he only has one more year left in black and orange.
I believe that he will be renewed, as he loves playing in Baltimore and has been a fantastic part of the team that has achieved more in five years than in almost two decades before.
But, if he isn’t, how would the Orioles fare?
More from Baltimore Orioles
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut
It depends.
I expect Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy to show in 2017 that they are at least capable number 2 starters, if not number ones.
However, Tillman would look fantastic as a two or three in the future rotation.
Without him, it becomes very uncertain. Ubaldo Jimenez is a free agent; Wade Miley has a team option after 2017. So, if Tillman doesn’t resign, and Jimenez is gone, and Miley’s option is not picked up, well trying to forecast a rotation is ugly.
I think you would predict the rotation as Gausman, Bundy and then some combination of Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Joe Gunkel, Jason Garcia, Chris Lee. Some of those options have options, but it doesn’t look good right now.
Now, the team would, of course, have a lot of money to spend and would indeed sign a few starters, so this is an arbitrary exercise.
The value in Tillman lies in his health, his consistency, and his age. But, if he wants to get paid as a number one starter, it likely won’t be in Baltimore, where they could use him as a number two/three.