One of the Baltimore Orioles’ prospective targets is looking for a multiyear contract this offseason.
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a setback at the start of the 2024 season, as two of their expected starting pitchers will be unavailable. Kyle Bradish is still recovering from an elbow injury and will begin the year on the injured list, while John Means is dealing with his own elbow issues and is not expected to return until sometime in April.
To address this situation, the Orioles plan to temporarily fill the rotation with bullpen players until Bradish and Means are ready to return. However, given the importance of the season for the Orioles, they must also consider the possibility that Bradish’s absence may be longer than anticipated.
In response to their pitching needs, the Orioles have shown interest in free agent Michael Lorenzen, who had a strong season as a starter for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. However, Lorenzen’s late-season struggles and his desire for a multi-year contract worth around $20 million have raised some concerns among potential suitors.
Lorenzen, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2023, is seeking a salary increase to around $10 million per year, reflecting his performance and potential value as a back-end rotation option for the Orioles. However, it remains uncertain whether the Orioles are willing to make such a commitment, especially if Bradish and Means return to their starting roles as planned.
If Bradish and Means recover successfully and maintain their positions in the rotation, Lorenzen may be relegated to a bullpen role, which could make his multi-year contract less appealing for the Orioles. Therefore, the Orioles must carefully weigh their options before committing to such a significant investment in a pitcher who may only be used in emergency situations.
