The Baltimore Orioles are at a critical point in their 2024 campaign, sitting ten games below .500 and trailing the AL East leaders by eleven games. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles remain within six games of the final Wild Card spot, leaving room for optimism. To turn their playoff hopes into reality, the team’s starting rotation must improve significantly, as it currently ranks among the weakest in Major League Baseball.
Challenges Facing Baltimore’s Starting Pitchers
The Orioles’ starting rotation has struggled throughout the season, posting a 5.23 ERA that highlights their inconsistency on the mound. These difficulties have hindered the team’s ability to secure wins and cast doubt on their competitiveness if they reach the postseason. With the rotation’s performance so vital for success, there is an urgent need for upgrades to maintain playoff viability.
Trade Options to Strengthen the Pitching Staff
As the trade deadline nears, Baltimore must decide whether to bolster their pitching roster or risk dismantling parts of their team. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers emerges as a standout option to address the Orioles’ pitching struggles. Unlike other potential targets, Peralta offers more than just a short-term presence, with an $8 million club option for the 2026 season providing added roster stability. This makes him especially valuable, considering the expected departures of veteran pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton.
Why Freddy Peralta Is a Valuable Acquisition
Peralta’s profile as a starting pitcher aligns well with Baltimore’s needs. His proven ability to deliver effective starts suggests he could transform the team’s rotation and help push the Orioles deeper into the postseason race. While acquiring Peralta might require a greater investment compared to pursuing Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels or Zack Littell of the Tampa Bay Rays—both of whom have contracts that expire after this season—the potential for multiple years of service could justify the added cost and risk.
What the Orioles Face Moving Forward
In the coming weeks, the decisions Baltimore makes will be pivotal for both their immediate playoff chances and their long-term outlook. Closing the gap in the Wild Card standings will require consistent performance and perhaps a bold trade acquisition. Adding Freddy Peralta could be the key to stabilizing the rotation and elevating the team’s overall competitiveness.
The Orioles’ path this season is filled with urgency and potential, as they strive to shift momentum and reclaim status as contenders in Major League Baseball. Their choices now will not only impact the remainder of 2024 but also shape the future direction of the franchise.