News Now:Orioles in play for 2024 Cy Young winner to bolster rotation due to….
As the Baltimore Orioles continue to solidify themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the American League, the team is now eyeing the 2024 Cy Young winner as a way to further bolster their pitching rotation for a deeper postseason run. After an exhilarating 2023 season, which saw the O’s rise to prominence behind a blend of youthful talent and veteran leadership, the front office is reportedly looking to make a splash in the upcoming offseason with the acquisition of a top-tier starting pitcher. The goal: to push the team into championship contention.
The Cy Young Award, annually presented to the best pitcher in each league, is one of the highest individual honors a player can receive, and in 2024, the Orioles seem intent on adding a winner to their roster to help them take the next step. For a franchise that has been rebuilding and has steadily improved since the conclusion of their lengthy postseason drought, this could be the final piece of the puzzle to make a serious World Series push.
The Orioles’ 2023 Season: A Foundation of Success
The 2023 Orioles, under manager Brandon Hyde, exceeded expectations by finishing with a 101-61 record, securing the AL East title for the first time since 2014. Despite a powerful offense led by All-Stars like Adley Rutschman and Austin Hays, along with breakout performances from Gunnar Henderson and Ryan Mountcastle, the team’s pitching was an area of concern. While the rotation featured several solid contributors, including veteran Kyle Gibson and young stars like Grayson Rodriguez, the team lacked a true ace capable of dominating in the postseason.
In fact, while the team’s offense was one of the best in the league, ranking among the top in runs, home runs, and batting average, the Orioles’ pitching staff finished the season with an ERA of 4.13, which was in the middle of the pack in the American League. While the team’s bullpen, led by the likes of Félix Bautista, was excellent, starting pitching remained an area that could use a boost heading into 2024.
With an eye on making a deeper playoff run, the Orioles have turned their attention to a potential upgrade in the rotation, and acquiring the reigning Cy Young winner could provide the impact they need to elevate their championship aspirations.
The Case for the Cy Young Winner
The Cy Young Award in 2024 is expected to be fiercely contested, with several pitchers emerging as potential candidates. As the Orioles look to add a dominant ace to their staff, they’ll need to consider several factors when assessing potential targets.
A Proven Track Record of Dominance: One of the primary qualities the Orioles would seek in a Cy Young winner is a pitcher with a demonstrated ability to dominate in high-leverage situations, particularly in the postseason. A true ace can shoulder the load in big games, offering consistency and stability. Baltimore would be looking for a pitcher who has the ability to shut down opposing lineups in the most critical moments, whether in a division race or in the heat of a playoff series.
Postseason Experience: While acquiring a Cy Young winner is enticing due to their regular-season success, it’s also crucial for the Orioles to target a pitcher with experience and poise on the big stage. Given the Orioles’ aspirations to go deep into October, securing a pitcher who has shown success in the postseason is a valuable asset. In recent years, several Cy Young winners have not only excelled during the regular season but also raised their game in October, leading their teams deep into the playoffs.
Long-Term Impact: While the immediate goal is to strengthen the rotation for a playoff run, the Orioles also have an eye on sustainability. They have built one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, which has provided them with key position players and a potential future core for years to come. Adding a Cy Young winner would provide stability at the front of the rotation, but the team will also look for someone who can contribute over multiple seasons, providing not only an immediate impact but long-term value as well.
Potential Targets: Who Could the Orioles Pursue?
Several pitchers are expected to be in contention for the 2024 Cy Young Award, and some may be available for trade or free agency, providing the Orioles with an opportunity to make a significant move. Some names that may emerge as potential targets for Baltimore include:
Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves): Strider has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball. With a powerful fastball and a devastating slider, he is a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Having led the Braves to the top of the NL East in 2023, Strider has proven himself as one of the most electrifying pitchers in the game. His age (he’s in his mid-20s) makes him a long-term option, though the Braves would likely be reluctant to move him.
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