Baltimore Orioles: As 2017 Slips Away, an Early Look at 2018 Pitching
By Nate Wardle
1. The Rest, But Also Some of the Best
Cashner, Cobb, Estrada, Garcia, Lackey, Lynn, Pelfrey, Pineda
First, I will say I think some of these pitchers don’t make it free agency. Pineda and Lackey being the ones I anticipate will stay with the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs respectively. But that leaves some good arms.
Cobb is only 29, knows how to pitch in the AL East, and has good stuff. And, the Rays, with their pitching, will likely not bring him back.
Estrada, the Orioles know all about from facing him five times already, including Monday night. He is older at 34, but also an experienced AL East pitcher.
Garcia is another guy who is spending time in the AL East right now. While he isn’t excelling in New York with the Yankees, he would be a dependable upgrade for the Orioles at 31 years of age.
Lynn is a 30-year-old who has spent his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, but they could go in another direction after a very disappointing season. I think he would be a decent fit in Baltimore as well.
Pelfrey has been around for a long time but is only 33. He is an experienced, veteran pitcher who usually keeps the ball on the ground.
The problem with this list is that there are probably 25 pitchers who would be considered capable starters in the major leagues. And for those asking, no I didn’t think Ubaldo is a capable pitcher, at least not to a level where he benefits a team.
And, many other teams will be looking to add to their rotations too.
However, it is likely no one will have as many open rotation spots as the Orioles, and they can’t give them all to unproven guys like Castro and Ynoa.
Who would you like to see the Baltimore Orioles sign?