The Baltimore Orioles have had a tough season so far, with a record of 38-67 and sitting at the bottom of the American League East. But with the trade deadline approaching, the Orioles have a chance to turn things around and make a statement for the future. After missing out on the opportunity to acquire Framber Valdez, the Orioles could pivot and sign a three-year veteran pitcher from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Orioles have been in desperate need of pitching help all season long. Their starting rotation has struggled, with a combined ERA of 5.76, the worst in the league. And with the recent injury to ace John Means, the Orioles’ pitching woes have only intensified. This is where the opportunity to sign a veteran pitcher from the Blue Jays comes into play.
The Blue Jays have a surplus of starting pitchers, with the likes of Hyun Jin Ryu, Robbie Ray, and Steven Matz leading their rotation. This has left veteran pitcher Ross Stripling as the odd man out. Stripling has been a consistent and reliable starter for the Blue Jays over the past three seasons, with a career ERA of 3.68. He also brings valuable experience to a young Orioles team, having played in the postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Signing Stripling would not only address the Orioles’ immediate need for pitching help, but it would also provide stability for the next three years. The 31-year-old right-hander is under contract through the 2023 season, giving the Orioles a reliable starter for the foreseeable future. This would be a smart move for the Orioles, as they continue to rebuild and develop their young talent.
But it’s not just about the numbers with Stripling. He brings a winning mentality and a strong work ethic to any team he plays for. This was evident during his time with the Dodgers, where he was known for his versatility and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. This type of attitude and leadership would be invaluable to a young Orioles team looking to establish a winning culture.
Furthermore, Stripling’s experience in the postseason would be a valuable asset to the Orioles. With a young and inexperienced team, having a player who has been in high-pressure situations and knows what it takes to win in October would be crucial. Stripling’s postseason experience could be a valuable mentorship for the Orioles’ young pitchers, helping them develop into future stars.
Some may argue that the Orioles should focus on acquiring young talent and building for the future, rather than signing a veteran pitcher. But with Stripling, the Orioles would be getting the best of both worlds. They would be adding a reliable starter to their rotation while also bringing in a veteran presence to mentor their young players. This move would not only benefit the team in the present but also set them up for success in the future.
In addition, Stripling’s contract is very team-friendly, making it a low-risk, high-reward move for the Orioles. With a salary of only $3 million for the 2022 season and $5 million for the 2023 season, the Orioles would not be breaking the bank to sign him. This would allow them to continue to invest in their young talent and build a strong foundation for the future.
Of course, signing Stripling would not solve all of the Orioles’ problems. They still have a lot of work to do in order to become a competitive team in the American League. But it would be a step in the right direction and a statement of their commitment to building a winning team.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Orioles have a golden opportunity to pivot and sign veteran pitcher Ross Stripling from the Toronto Blue Jays. Stripling would bring much-needed stability and experience to the Orioles’ struggling rotation, while also providing valuable mentorship to their young pitchers. This move would not only benefit the team in the present but also set them up for success in the future. It’s time for the Orioles to make a bold move and show their fans and the league that they are serious about building a winning team.
