Have the Orioles developed enough starting pitchers? | MAILBAG
Question: For the most part, the Orioles have come up on the short end of the stick as far as trades. We let two of our most prized potential future starters, Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers, go to Miami for basically nothing in return, so far. Most of the pitchers that we have acquired have been average to mediocre, with the exception of Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin. The Orioles need to do a better job developing their own pitching. Why is that? Is it scouting or coaching? From: Ricky Templeton
Answer: Ricky, while the Orioles don’t broadcast it, it’s obvious that they shy away from using high draft picks on pitching. They have had great success in drafting position players, but they haven’t drafted pitchers with high picks. Jackson Baumeister, who was drafted with the 63rd overall pick in 2023, was sent to Tampa Bay as part of the Eflin deal.
They have made some other good trades. Kyle Bradish was acquired in a trade, and Cade Povich was acquired in the deal that sent Jorge López to Minnesota two years ago. Chayce McDermott was acquired in the Trey Mancini trade, too.
Question: Are there any stats as to how many home runs the Orioles lost to the left-field wall this year compared to the visitors? I know Ramón Urías definitely lost one in the playoff game that would’ve really helped. From: Doug Smith
Answer: Doug, according to Baseball Savant, Oriole hitters lost 21 home runs to the left-field wall while Oriole pitchers were saved 29 in 2024.
Both Urías and Jordan Westburg lost home runs to the wall this year. In the three years since the left-field wall has been changed, 72 Oriole hitters have lost home runs as opposed to Oriole pitchers saving 65.
Ryan Mountcastle has lost 11 home runs while Cole Irvin had 10 home runs saved.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: [email protected]. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.