In retrospect, the Orioles squandered $36 million between Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin and Kyle Gibson.
When you tack on a marginal .500 pitcher, 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano, at $13 million, that is $49 million on four pitchers that are all, or should be, gone. A hint for the Birds, it’s time to take that money that is no longer being wasted and extend Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Jordan Westburg, Tyler Wells, Jeremiah Jackson and Gunnar Henderson for three years and find a bona fide lefty cleanup man to replace Anthony Santander.
The O’s, in my opinion, should fill out their starting rotation with one more premier lefty to complement Rogers, who I feel is the real deal, and they should be set. The Birds will also shed Gary Sanchez’ $8.5 million debacle for his catching 29 games and having 91 at-bats. There is now $60 million being freed up with the above roster paring. Thus, Mike Elias and David Rubenstein will definitely not be too short in the wallet to forge ahead in the free agent market and fill some holes. A bona fide closer is also a need, especially since there will be no Felix Bautista in 2026.
The World Series has begun, and my hot stove is already sizzling! Thanks for the continued great coverage of the O’s.
— George Hammerbacher, Catonsville
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