The Baltimore Orioles ‘Won’t Totally Dismiss’ This Rotation Plan

As the offseason progresses, the Baltimore Orioles continue to shape their roster and lay the groundwork for what could be a promising 2025 season. After a successful 2024 campaign that saw them make significant strides, including a strong playoff appearance, the Orioles’ pitching rotation remains a key focal point as they look to build upon their success. While the team has several notable options for its starting rotation, the idea of reworking the rotation has surfaced as a potential solution to maximize the team’s overall performance.

While the Orioles are focused on addressing areas of need, such as adding more depth to their bullpen and improving their lineup, there has been growing speculation that the team might explore some unconventional options when it comes to their pitching staff. Though the team’s decision-makers have been cautious in their approach, one idea that has gained traction is the possibility of moving away from the traditional five-man rotation in favor of more flexibility—one that involves a mix of openers, piggybacking starters, and other creative strategies.

Though the Orioles are not yet fully committed to this rotation plan, the team has made it clear that they won’t “totally dismiss” this approach, signaling that they are open to experimentation to better utilize the talent at their disposal. So, why would the Orioles consider such a shift, and what does it mean for their pitching staff in the 2025 season? Let’s break it down.

The State of the Orioles’ Rotation

To understand the context behind the Orioles’ potential change in strategy, it’s important to take a closer look at their pitching rotation heading into the 2025 season.

The Orioles have a solid foundation in their starting staff, with several key players leading the way. Grayson Rodriguez, the highly touted pitching prospect, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and is expected to take a larger role in 2025. Meanwhile, Kyle Gibson, an experienced veteran, brings stability to the rotation, and Dean Kremer, another young arm, has developed into a dependable option. Tyler Wells, who had been a part of the bullpen for much of his career, was converted into a starter last year and impressed with his ability to provide innings, offering another piece to the rotation puzzle.

While the Orioles’ staff had its moments of dominance, there were also stretches where the rotation was inconsistent. Injuries and fatigue became factors as the season wore on, particularly late in the year when the team was pushing for playoff contention. As such, the Orioles are aware that they need to find ways to maximize the performance of their starters while ensuring they remain fresh for the grueling 162-game season.

The Challenge of Traditional Rotations

In recent years, Major League Baseball (MLB) has witnessed an evolution in how teams structure their pitching staffs. Traditionally, teams have employed a five-man rotation where each starter takes the mound once every five days. This setup allows pitchers to build a rhythm and consistency but also places a heavy burden on starting pitchers to pitch deep into games. In an era where pitcher injuries are more common, and workloads are scrutinized more than ever, the traditional model of the five-man rotation may not always be the most optimal.

For the Orioles, this system has had its limitations. The team relies on pitchers who are still developing and refining their skills, such as Rodriguez and Kremer, who are younger and still gaining experience at the highest level. Additionally, the bullpen is an important asset to the Orioles, with their relief pitchers often providing high leverage innings in key moments. Finding ways to give the bullpen more rest and reduce the wear on starting pitchers is a key objective for the Orioles’ front office.

This is where the idea of diversifying their rotation strategy comes into play. Instead of sticking with a rigid five-man rotation, the Orioles are open to exploring the concept of using openers, piggybacking starters, and mixing in bullpen games, which could help alleviate some of the pressure on individual pitchers while allowing for greater flexibility.

Openers and Piggybacking: An Unconventional Approach

One of the primary strategies the Orioles have discussed is the potential use of openers. In this approach, a relief pitcher starts the game for one or two innings before giving way to a traditional starter who pitches the bulk of the game. This strategy, which was popularized by the Tampa Bay Rays, has gained traction in recent years as teams look for creative ways to maximize their pitching depth and reduce the number of innings a traditional starter has to face.

The benefit of the opener strategy is that it can help mitigate matchups where a starter may struggle early in games, especially against tough hitters in the top of the order. By using an opener, a team can avoid having their weaker pitchers face off against elite hitters and instead bring in a traditional starter once the initial wave of batters is out of the way. This also gives the starting pitcher a chance to work against the weaker part of the opposing lineup.

For the Orioles, the idea of using openers could be a way to manage the workload of their young pitchers. For example, Rodriguez and Kremer may benefit from not having to face the toughest hitters right away, allowing them to settle into the game and conserve energy. In situations where one of the starters may be dealing with a slight injury or fatigue, an opener could also provide some breathing room, limiting the number of innings a starter needs to work.

Another strategy that the Orioles could consider is piggybacking starters. This involves pairing two starters who pitch in consecutive innings, with each pitcher throwing a limited number of innings. For example, one pitcher could go three innings, followed by another pitcher going three more. This allows the team to avoid overworking either pitcher and ensures they have fresh arms throughout the game.

Piggybacking could benefit the Orioles’ young starters like Rodriguez, who has shown great potential but may still need to build endurance and experience. The ability to limit a starter’s innings while still giving them a chance to showcase their talent could help develop these pitchers in a more controlled environment. It also provides the team with more flexibility when it comes to managing the bullpen, as pitchers aren’t required to go deep into games every time they start.

Benefits of Flexibility in the Rotation

The main argument in favor of a more flexible rotation strategy is the ability to adjust to different situations. Flexibility allows the Orioles to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of both their pitchers and their opponents. Some matchups may favor a traditional five-man rotation, while others may benefit from an opener or piggyback strategy.

Furthermore, flexibility in the rotation allows the Orioles to keep their pitchers fresh over the course of the season. The long MLB season places a strain on pitchers, and many teams have seen the benefit of varying their rotation strategies to reduce fatigue. By using openers, piggybacking, or even bullpen games when necessary, the Orioles can optimize the performance of their pitching staff and avoid burnout.

Additionally, with the increased emphasis on analytics and matchups, a flexible rotation allows the Orioles to take advantage of favorable splits. For example, an opener could be used against an opposing lineup that is particularly dangerous against left-handed pitchers, followed by a traditional starter who is better suited for the matchup. Similarly, piggybacking could be used to ensure that the Orioles get the most out of their pitchers while keeping their options open for later in the game.

Challenges and Considerations

While the idea of a flexible rotation has its appeal, it is not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles is that it requires a high level of coordination between the coaching staff, pitching staff, and front office. Pitchers need to be on board with the idea of working in shorter bursts and potentially in unconventional roles. Additionally, the strategy requires a deep bullpen with multiple reliable options, as the team will rely on relief pitchers more frequently.

There is also the risk that a more fluid rotation could lead to inconsistency, especially if the pitchers are not accustomed to such a system. Some pitchers may struggle with the uncertainty of not knowing when they will be asked to take the mound, and the frequent changes in roles could disrupt their rhythm. Furthermore, relying too heavily on bullpen games could lead to fatigue in the later months of the season, when bullpen depth is often tested.

Finally, the strategy of using openers and piggybacking may only work in specific circumstances, particularly when there are favorable matchups or when managing young pitchers with limited innings. The Orioles will need to be strategic in when and how they implement this plan to avoid overburdening their pitchers.

Looking Ahead: The Orioles’ Future Rotation Plans

The Orioles’ decision to consider a more flexible rotation approach shows their willingness to think outside the box and embrace new ideas. While the team won’t “totally dismiss” this plan, it remains to be seen how far they will go in implementing it during the 2025 season. As the team continues to develop its young talent and refine its pitching strategy, flexibility could prove to be a key factor in keeping the Orioles competitive for years to come.

As we move into the 2025 season, the Orioles’ pitching rotation will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines. With a mix of promising young arms and established veterans, the Orioles have the opportunity to craft a rotation that fits their needs. Whether that involves a traditional five-man setup or a more dynamic approach remains to be seen, but the Orioles are clearly willing to experiment in their pursuit of continued success.

For fans of the Orioles, this new plan represents the team’s ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation, with the ultimate goal of positioning themselves as a championship contender in the coming seasons. As the front office and coaching staff weigh their options, one thing is certain: the 2025 Orioles are determined to stay ahead of the curve.