The Orioles are not legally required to add a starting pitcher this offseason. What once appeared as a foregone conclusion now feels like a coin flip at best. The rotation could use an upgrade, but the Orioles don’t need to be a finished product by Opening Day.
Mike Elias appears unwilling to surrender monetary or trade capital that would exceed the value of the player joining the team. It’s a practical approach, but one that limits the options for a fifth starter this April.
The current candidates have been well documented. The Orioles need to replace all of those innings that Kyle Gibson ate last season.