The Baltimore Orioles are once again leaving their fanbase disheartened after a lackluster postseason run and an underwhelming offseason strategy. Despite hopes that new owner David Rubenstein would pave the way for aggressive spending, general manager Mike Elias has stuck to his cautious approach, culminating in a questionable move to address their pitching needs.
Rather than pursuing high-impact arms like Corbin Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Orioles opted for 41-year-old veteran Charlie Morton on a one-year, $15 million contract.
Charlie Morton: Reliable but Not a Game-Changer
Morton’s resume speaks to his dependability. Over the past four seasons with the Braves, he consistently made at least 30 starts and logged over 163 innings annually. In 2024, he posted a 4.19 ERA with 167 strikeouts in 165.1 innings—a solid effort but far from elite.
As a stabilizing force in a rotation featuring Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, and Tomoyuki Sugano, Morton brings leadership and experience. However, he lacks the upside to fill the void left by Burnes, a two-time All-Star and one of baseball’s best pitchers.
Burnes vs. Morton: A Missed Opportunity
The decision to pass on Burnes, whose $20-25 million annual salary in Arizona includes deferred money, is puzzling. Investing slightly more to land an ace of Burnes’ caliber would have sent a strong message about the Orioles’ commitment to contention. Instead, Morton—whose market value was surprisingly high for a player contemplating retirement—feels like a stopgap solution.
Better Options Were Available
The Orioles had alternatives, including:
- Jack Flaherty: A familiar face with upside.
- Dylan Cease (San Diego) and Luis Castillo (Seattle): Trade candidates with elite potential.
- Free agents like Blake Snell and Max Fried, who would have commanded significant but justifiable investments.
By opting for Morton, the Orioles have effectively signaled that they are prioritizing short-term stability over long-term impact.
Fan Discontent is Justified
Baltimore’s cautious spending has created a sense of frustration among fans, particularly in the ultra-competitive AL East, where rivals like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have made significant upgrades.
While Morton’s one-year deal minimizes financial risk, it does little to address the perception that the Orioles are unwilling to invest in their future. Baltimore may find themselves relying heavily on the continued development of young talent, but without a true ace, their postseason aspirations remain murky.
Conclusion
Charlie Morton’s signing offers dependability and veteran leadership, but it falls short of the transformational move the Orioles needed. If Baltimore hopes to compete at the highest level, they’ll need to rethink their approach to acquiring top-tier talent and make bolder investments in their roster.
Let me know if you’d like further analysis or ideas for how the Orioles could better position themselves for success!