With the Baltimore Orioles’ pursuit of a Dylan Cease trade seemingly hitting a stalemate, it looks like the organization has shifted gears to potentially adding an All-Star pitcher still available in MLB free agency.
During the 2023 MLB season, the Orioles continued their rise back to prominence when they won the American League East title for the first time since 2014. Following their season coming to a disappointing end in October, Baltimore has been following their usual strategy in the offseason. They are looking to get better but don’t want to overspend in free agency or trades.
Related: MLB insiders offer troubling update on possible Dylan Cease trade to Baltimore Orioles
That’s why it’s been a fairly quiet winter for the organization, with the most notable move they’ve made being the addition of veteran closer Craig Kimbrel to replace Felix Bautista — who will miss the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. However, over the last few weeks, they have been linked to a blockbuster trade to address their top need for next season, proven starting pitching.
While all indications are that the Chicago White Sox’s best trade partner for ace Dylan Cease would be the Baltimore Orioles, the AL Central club reportedly has a very high asking price. The organization has more than enough assets in the minors to meet Chicago’s asking price, but it is understandable if they don’t want to overspend for a pitcher who has never been an All-Star and seemed to regress a bit in 2023.
Baltimore Orioles targeting All-Star Michael Lorenzen
With negotiations seemingly at a dead end, it looks like the Orioles have now shifted their focus to a different pitcher to add to the rotation for the 2024 season.
On Thursday morning, MLB Network league insider Jon Morosi reported the “Orioles remain active in the starting pitching market. Sources say Michael Lorenzen is among the free agents in whom they’ve expressed interest.”
- Michael Lorenzen stats (2023):9-9 record, 4.18 ERA, 1.209 WHIP, 111 strikeouts, 153 innings
Lorenzen had a career year in 2023 that saw the nine-year veteran earn All-Star honors for the first time. The former Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, and Detroit Tigers player was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before the trade deadline, and while he struggled down the stretch he was rock solid in a relief role during the postseason.