The Baltimore Orioles are aiming to build on their recent regular-season success, having won over 90 games in 2024. However, the team's playoff struggles continue, with back-to-back seasons of failing to win a postseason game highlighting their postseason woes. This offseason, the Orioles made headlines by acquiring ace pitcher Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers. Yet, with Burnes on a short contract, he turned out to be a rental player for them. Baltimore has supplemented their roster by adding seasoned pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, but neither offers the same caliber as Burnes. The Orioles are considering a significant trade proposal that would send Heston Kjerstad and Dean Kremer to the San Diego Padres in exchange for star pitcher Michael King and reliever Jason Adam. The addition of King, who recorded an impressive 2.95 ERA last season, could provide the Orioles with the ace they desperately need, while Adam's track record in late-game scenarios would bolster a struggling bullpen.

The Baltimore Orioles have secured Japanese right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano on a one-year contract, enhancing their starting rotation alongside Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, and Charlie Morton. Sugano, who boasts an impressive 136-85 win-loss record and a 2.45 ERA from his twelve seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, recently showcased his skills in a bullpen session. Despite a slight reduction in velocity since his standout performance in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, his command remains sharp.

The Orioles will look to Sugano to help fill the void left by Corbin Burnes' departure, particularly as the team aims to improve following a playoff sweep last season.

In the wake of the Baltimore Orioles' offseason activities, fans are expressing frustration over the team's recent acquisitions, which seem to lack long-term vision. The roster adjustments, featuring veteran pitchers, appear to be merely short-term fixes rather than a foundation for sustained success.

The Orioles' market viability was significantly compromised two decades ago with the introduction of the Washington Nationals, limiting their ability to pursue top-tier talent. This has led to a reliance on short-term contracts for players like Elfin, Morton, and Sugano, who are seen as subpar additions.

The Baltimore Orioles have lost their ace Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who signed him for six years and $210 million. While the Orioles acquired pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton, their rotation remains a concern. Fangraphs projects a mere 2.0 fWAR for their rotation, the lowest among playoff contenders. Eno Sarris noted the Orioles' rotation is ranked 25th in baseball, with Sugano's impact yet to be determined. Both Morton, now over 40, and Sugano, an unproven commodity in MLB, may not significantly enhance the rotation.

Consequently, the team is reportedly exploring trades for starting pitchers, with Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners as a potential target. A successful acquisition could strengthen their rotation and alleviate pressure on the offense, which may need to score heavily next season. However, the overall construction of the roster raises questions about their ability to compete effectively.

The Baltimore Orioles, despite a successful run with 101 wins in 2023 and 91 wins in 2024, find themselves in a precarious position as the offseason unfolds. Their combined total of 192 wins over these two seasons ranks third in Major League Baseball, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. However, the recent loss of ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a lucrative six-year contract has left the team feeling underwhelming. Burnes, who had a stellar season with a 2.92 ERA, was a key player in the Orioles' rotation, and his departure raises questions about the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

Currently, Baltimore's rotation consists of several pitchers, including Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, but the absence of a proven ace like Burnes is evident. General Manager Mike Elias faces scrutiny for not making more aggressive moves in the pitching market, especially with the team's estimated payroll ranking 18th in baseball. While ownership under David Rubenstein has expressed a willingness to spend, it appears Elias may be hesitant, leading to speculation about the team's overall strategy.

The Orioles have a wealth of young talent, but their current approach to building a competitive team seems passive. While some argue that investing heavily in pitchers carries risks, the reality is that top-tier players are essential for winning championships. The lack of interest in acquiring high-impact players like Juan Soto only adds to the frustration among fans who expect the team to capitalize on its recent success. As the American League remains competitive, the Orioles must decide whether to seize the moment or risk falling behind in their pursuit of a World Series title.