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Four Pitchers the Orioles Could Trade For During the Offseason

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It’s no secret that the Baltimore Orioles need a better rotation for the 2026 season. The team held the fifth-worst ERA, fourth-worst WHIP, and fifth-worst OBA in the majors this season.

A rash of injuries decimated the pitching staff as well, which didn’t help matters. Top pitching prospects Grayson Rodriguez, Tyler Wells, and Kyle Bradish headlined the massive injured reserve throughout the season. Rookie Brandon Young struggled immensely over 12 starts before getting injured as well.

Baltimore must address the gaping holes in the rotation for next year, especially if the returning starters struggle. There are four reasonable pitchers the team can seek to bring on their team.

Four Pitchers the Orioles Could Target Via Trade This Offseason

1) RHP Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds

2025 Stats: 19 games started; 7-4; 2.76 ERA; 107 2/3 IP; 75 hits and 26 walks (0.938 WHIP); 15 HR; 132 K; .192 OBA

There has been significant trade discussion surrounding Greene following the end of the Reds’ 2025 season. Jim Bowden of The Athletic first reported on the rumors Oct. 23 in a list of pitchers he sees are likely to be traded. He added that, while he didn’t see a trade given his team control until 2029, there could be injury concerns that the Reds might not want to deal with.

The Reds placed Hunter Greene back on the injured list shortly after he was activated in May.
May 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Despite holding only four pitches in his arsenal, Greene has a very effective four-seamer and slider combo. It’s generated a 90th or better percentile rating in chase and whiff rates, strikeout rates, and a low walk rate. However, he does allow a lot of hard hits and barrels, along with a low grounder rate.

The 34% grounder rate is exceptionally low, while his 11.2% pop-up rate is a silver lining. If he gets his grounder rate over 40%, he will be a far better pitcher than he is now.

As for a potential trade, Cincinnati needs hitting. The Orioles could lure Greene away by trading a catching prospect in Caden Bodine or an outfielder in Enrique Bradfield Jr. It’s hard to do, but there could be enough capital to reach for a deal and get it done.

2) LHP Mackenzie Gore, Washington Nationals

2025 Stats: 30 games started; 5-15; 159 2/3 Innings Pitched; 4.17 ERA; 152 Hits and 64 walks (1.353 WHIP); 20 HR; 185 K; .252 OBA

The Orioles need a second left-handed pitcher to help out Trevor Rogers in the rotation. There might be a very expensive left-handed pitcher hitting the trade market in 2026, but Gore is the likelier option in any scenario.

Despite getting an All-Star nod in 2025, Gore collapsed in the second half of the season, throwing an ERA of around 5.50 between July and October. When he’s good, however, he’s very effective, as evidenced by his strong April and May.

He put up a respectable chase rate, but was effective in the whiffs department with a 30% clip. Like Greene, he also struggled with batters making solid contact on the ball. Most of that came from his four-seamer, especially his 31% flyball rate. He must redevelop his fastball to be successful with Baltimore should they trade for him.

Gore’s price is likely elevated due to the All-Star appearance. The Orioles do have some mid-tier minor-league pitchers for the Nationals, including Braxton Bragg and Trey Gibson. A trade could get done without costing too much.

3) RHP Sandy Alcántara, Miami Marlins

2025 Stats: 31 games started; 11-12; 5.36 ERA; 174 2/3 Innings Pitched; 165 hits and 57 walks (1.271 WHIP); 22 HR; 142 K; .247 OBA

Once upon a time, Alcántara was seen as one of the best pitchers in the game following his dream 2022 campaign. He went the distance in six games, including one shutout, then did the same in 2023 with three complete games. Then, one Tommy John surgery later, he seems to be struggling to where the Marlins want him gone for some return.

A silver lining is that his groundball rate remains above 45%, which could signal his defense behind him isn’t great. At the same time, his chase and walk rates are middle of the pack. But, like the aforementioned pitchers on this list, he gets batted around and also has trouble locking in strikeouts.

His changeup is his best pitch, while his fastball is his worst pitch outside of his curveball. It’s possible the years of strain on his arm messed his mechanics up. He’s servicable, but no longer Cy Young quality.

With one year of team control remaining, the team might not have to surrender much. They could get a good year out of him until a suitable starter comes along.

4) LHP Jacob Lopez, Athletics

2025 Stats: 21 appearances (17 starts); 7-7; 4.08 ERA; 92 2/3 Innings Pitched; 81 hits and 37 walks (1.273 WHIP); 15 HR; 113 K; .230 OBA

The Athletics have a nasty habit of trading players well before their prime and early in their careers. What’s not to say they do the same for Lopez? It’s a far-fetched idea, but Baltimore can at least try to make some wild splash during the offseason.

There is a lot to like about Lopez, including a very low hard-hit and barrel percentage. He also holds a 28% strikeout ratio and has a high whiff rate. He struggled to get grounders, with only 28% of balls in play on the grass. There needs to be a little more of a sample size, but he induces a lot of pop-ups as well.

The rookie has an effective four-seamer and slider combo, but is still developing his changeup and cutter. Expect his numbers to improve when he gets a second offspeed or breaking pitch in his arsenal.

Lopez will likely have a strong price tag on him, but he is worth it. The aforementioned Gibson and Bragg would do, but they can also surrender Michael Forret or Nestor German to get Lopez. Perhaps throw in a hitter, and there could be a deal here.

 

Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

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