The Orioles are still unsettled at closer and could use another bat for the designated hitter spot, but Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports hears that adding another starting pitcher is the club’s “primary focus” at this time.
As we have heard throughout the winter, veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett is at the top of their list. However, he has yet to make a decision about whether he plans to continue his playing career. Kubatko doesn’t see big names like Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana as a fit, so if Burnett isn’t a possibility, it could be difficult to find a difference-maker. Bronson Arroyo, Paul Maholm, Chris Capuano, Scott Baker, Johan Santana, and Chad Gaudin are among the other starting pitchers still available in free agency. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has indicated that he’s more likely to sign a pitcher, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a trade.
As of now, the Orioles project to enter spring training with a starting rotation of Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Bud Norris, Miguel Gonzalez, and Kevin Gausman.
