Baltimore Orioles’ Potential Game-Changer with Stroman Acquisition
As the Baltimore Orioles embark on another offseason with the aim of further developing a contender in Major League Baseball (MLB), one name that has been consistently discussed in trade and free-agent rumors is Marcus Stroman. The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, who has established himself as a reliable ace throughout his career, could be exactly what the Orioles need to bolster their rotation and take the next step toward being a legitimate playoff contender. With a mix of talented young hitters and promising pitching prospects, the Orioles are poised to make some moves that could make them a serious threat in the American League (AL).
Acquiring Stroman would not just fill a gap in the rotation but would have a ripple effect across the entire roster. His experience, skill set, and leadership could change the trajectory of the Orioles’ pitching staff and overall aspirations. In this article, we’ll explore why adding Marcus Stroman to the Orioles’ mix could be a game-changer for the team and how his potential addition fits with their long-term strategy.
The Need for a Veteran Ace
The Baltimore Orioles had a successful 2024 season, making it to the postseason after a long rebuilding phase. However, the team’s pitching staff, while improved from previous years, remained one of the biggest question marks. The Orioles had moments of brilliance from pitchers like Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells, but they lacked a true ace who could lead the rotation in big games and provide stability over the course of the season. The absence of a reliable No. 1 starter who could consistently shut down opponents in high-leverage situations was evident during their playoff run.
Stroman, with his proven track record, could immediately provide the team with the ace it desperately needs. Over his career, Stroman has built a reputation for being a reliable and durable pitcher who thrives in key moments. With a career ERA of 3.45 and a consistent ability to get ground balls, Stroman is the type of pitcher who can be relied upon to eat innings and keep the opposition at bay. His experience as a top-of-the-rotation arm for both the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs gives him the credentials to be a difference-maker for a team that is still learning how to win in the postseason.
Adding Stroman would instantly elevate the Orioles’ rotation. He could slot in as the team’s ace, pushing other pitchers like Gibson and Kremer to more favorable spots in the rotation. This could help the Orioles avoid overexposure for their younger pitchers while allowing them to have a more balanced and competitive pitching staff. With the AL East remaining one of the toughest divisions in baseball, having a proven ace like Stroman could go a long way in helping the Orioles compete with the likes of the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.
Stroman’s Ground-Ball Prowess
One of the key attributes that makes Stroman a perfect fit for Camden Yards is his ability to induce ground balls. Known for his sinker, Stroman generates a lot of weak contact and forces hitters to hit the ball on the ground. This is particularly valuable in a ballpark like Camden Yards, where home runs can be a significant factor due to the short porch in right field. In contrast to many modern pitchers who rely heavily on strikeouts, Stroman’s ground-ball approach helps minimize the risk of big innings and home runs, especially in a hitter-friendly park.
In 2024, the Orioles’ pitching staff finished in the middle of the pack in terms of ground-ball rate, but adding a pitcher like Stroman who excels in this category would help improve their ability to limit extra-base hits. This is especially important in the high-powered AL East, where teams like the Rays, Yankees, and Boston Red Sox consistently feature strong offenses.
Furthermore, Stroman’s style of pitching could complement the Orioles’ defense. Baltimore has a solid infield, with players like Gunnar Henderson and Jorge Mateo providing elite defense up the middle. Stroman’s ground-ball-heavy approach would play perfectly with these defenders, making the Orioles a tougher team to score against.
Leadership and Intangibles
Beyond his on-field contributions, Marcus Stroman brings leadership and a winning mentality to the table. His fiery competitive spirit and passion for the game are qualities that would benefit a young Orioles team still learning how to consistently win at the highest level. In the past, Stroman has been the vocal leader of his pitching staff, and he brings an edge that would help set the tone in the clubhouse.
For a team like the Orioles, which is still building its foundation, bringing in a player like Stroman could be a catalyst for growth. The Orioles’ young pitchers, like Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, could benefit immensely from Stroman’s mentorship. He could serve as a role model, showing the younger arms how to approach each start with focus, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
Furthermore, Stroman’s experience in high-pressure situations could provide a calming presence in the postseason. If the Orioles were to make a deep playoff run, Stroman’s history of pitching in big games—he was a key player for the Blue Jays during their playoff runs in 2015 and 2016—could prove invaluable. His ability to keep his composure in high-leverage moments would be a huge asset for a team looking to advance deep into October.
A Perfect Fit for Baltimore’s Budget
The Orioles are not known for being one of the big-spending teams in MLB, but the team’s front office has shown an increased willingness to spend in recent seasons, especially with the emergence of their young stars. Adding a high-impact free agent like Stroman would be an investment in the team’s future, but it would also make sense from a financial standpoint.
While Stroman is not in the top tier of pitchers when it comes to salary, he still commands a respectable contract due to his reliability and past performances. The Orioles would likely be able to sign him to a deal that would be in line with their budget while still bringing in a proven, top-tier starter. Given that Baltimore’s payroll is currently among the lower third of MLB teams, acquiring a player like Stroman would provide the team with a high ROI without breaking the bank.
Moreover, Stroman’s marketability and the attention he could draw to the team could be valuable in terms of both on-field performance and off-field business. The Orioles have been in a rebuilding phase for years, but with a strong core of young talent emerging, adding a player like Stroman could signal to both the fanbase and the rest of the league that the team is ready to take the next step. This type of move could also help the Orioles attract other free agents in the future and build a foundation for sustained success.
Potential Long-Term Impact
Looking ahead to the long-term future, adding Stroman could have a ripple effect on the Orioles’ trajectory. If the team is able to make a significant leap in 2025 and beyond, Stroman’s acquisition could be a crucial turning point that helps them establish a winning culture. A move like this could elevate Baltimore from a team that is merely competitive to one that is consistently contending for playoff spots and World Series titles.
Furthermore, if Stroman performs well and the Orioles continue to develop their young pitchers, there could be an opportunity to build a deep rotation that features a mix of proven veterans and rising stars. The Orioles’ farm system is stocked with pitching talent, and the team could potentially complement Stroman’s leadership with a new wave of homegrown stars like Rodriguez, Hall, and possibly even top pitching prospect Cade Povich. This would give the team both short-term stability and long-term sustainability in the rotation.
Conclusion
Acquiring Marcus Stroman would be a game-changer for the Baltimore Orioles in more ways than one. Not only would he provide the team with an experienced and reliable ace at the top of the rotation, but his ability to generate ground balls, provide leadership, and stabilize the pitching staff would elevate the entire roster. The Orioles are a team on the rise, and adding a veteran presence like Stroman could help push them to the next level.
The team has a strong core of young players, but with the right veteran pieces in place, including a pitcher of Stroman’s caliber, the Orioles could compete for an AL East title in 2025 and beyond. As the offseason continues to unfold, the front office must weigh all options, but making a play for Marcus Stroman could be the move that transforms the Orioles into a perennial contender. With a mix of pitching and offense, the future of the Baltimore Orioles looks promising—especially if they make a smart move like this.
