Baltimore Orioles Eyeing Former World Series Champion Starter

Taking a Chance on Walker Buehler

The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in an intriguing position this offseason as they look to bolster their roster. While they are a talented team, they may need to take calculated risks in free agency to improve and compete.

One such risk the Orioles are reportedly considering is signing former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler. Despite Buehler's strong pedigree as one of the top arms in baseball just a few seasons ago, he has dealt with significant injuries over the past campaigns.

However, Buehler's impressive performance in the recent World Series has reignited interest in his services. As CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson notes, Buehler's advanced pitch metrics remain strong, indicating he still has the potential to be a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

The Orioles will have to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of pursuing Buehler. On one hand, his ability when healthy is undeniable, and he could provide a significant boost to their pitching staff. But his injury history is also a major concern, especially for a team that has already dealt with its own pitching woes.

Anderson suggests the Orioles could sign Buehler to a one-year, $15 million contract, a relatively low-risk, high-reward type of deal. This would allow Baltimore to see if Buehler can regain his dominant form without committing long-term.

Addressing Pitching Needs

The Orioles' need for rotation help is understandable, as they will look to build on their strong 2024 campaign. Securing a potential ace like Buehler, if he can stay healthy, could go a long way in helping the team contend in the competitive American League.

However, the Orioles will need to weigh this risk against other options in free agency and ensure they don't overextend themselves financially or jeopardize their long-term roster construction.

Nonetheless, the potential upside of a rejuvenated Walker Buehler makes him an intriguing target for the Orioles this offseason as they aim to take the next step as an organization.

The Baltimore Orioles are in an interesting position. They'll likely have to take a few risks in free agency, as is often the case around Major League Baseball.