The Baltimore Orioles’ decision to replace Corbin Burnes with Charlie Morton has raised eyebrows, especially for a team with legitimate World Series aspirations. Losing Burnes, a top-tier ace, to the Arizona Diamondbacks is a major blow, and Morton, at this stage of his career, doesn’t appear to be the kind of pitcher who can replicate the dominance Burnes provided.
A Clear Downgrade
At 41 years old, Morton is better suited as a back-end starter or innings-eater rather than a frontline ace. While he brings postseason experience and durability, his declining velocity and reliance on guile over overpowering stuff make it hard to see him anchoring a rotation as effectively as Burnes did.
Orioles’ Rotation Outlook
As it stands, here’s how Baltimore’s rotation shapes up heading into 2025:
- Charlie Morton: The presumed “ace” by default, though his best days are behind him.
- Grayson Rodriguez: A rising star who could ascend to ace status but may still face growing pains in his second full season.
- Kyle Bradish: Solid middle-of-the-rotation arm but unlikely to dominate consistently.
- John Means: Returning from injury, Means is a wildcard who could provide quality innings if healthy.
- DL Hall or Tyler Wells: Both have potential but come with questions about durability and consistency.
A Need for More Moves?
Given the makeup of this rotation, Baltimore’s offseason feels incomplete. It’s possible the Orioles have plans to acquire another impact starter via trade or free agency, but time is running short. The front office has shown a reluctance to make splashy moves despite the team’s competitive window, which could frustrate fans and limit their postseason potential.
Key Questions Ahead
- Will Grayson Rodriguez take a significant step forward in 2025? The young right-hander has the tools to become a frontline starter, but expecting him to fill Burnes’ shoes immediately is a tall order.
- Can the Orioles’ offense carry a rotation with question marks? With Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and others leading the charge, the lineup is formidable. However, an elite rotation is often the difference-maker in October.
- Are more moves on the horizon? A trade for a premium starter like Shane Bieber, or a surprising free-agent signing, could change the narrative.
If this is the final version of Baltimore’s rotation heading into 2025, the team’s World Series hopes may rest heavily on its offense and bullpen, while the rotation tries to do just enough. However, with their competitive window wide open, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Orioles make another move to bolster their starting staff before Opening Day.
