Baltimore Orioles Potential Pitching Target Linked to Division Rival

One of the potential starters that the Baltimore Orioles could pursue this offseason has been linked to their division rivals in free agency.

The Baltimore Orioles have one of the best, if not the best, pipelines in all of Major League Baseball. Their minor league teams are full of young talent who have massive star potential.

However, many of these prospects are position players and don't immediately help the pitching needs that the Orioles have for the upcoming season.

That's one of the reasons why Baltimore has been continuously linked with many of the pitching options available on the market.

Despite not spending money under the leadership of general manager Mike Elias, there has been some speculation that they might actually open up the checkbooks this offseason after winning an American League-best 101 games in 2023.

Jordan Montgomery is a starting pitcher they have been previously linked to as one of the top options available.

However, Andy McCullough of The Athletic, thinks that the Orioles' division rival Boston Red Sox will sign their pitching target this offseason.

He doesn't provide a specific reason why he thinks the Red Sox will sign the left-hander, but it's been reported that Boston is looking to add high-level starters before 2024.

"Montgomery supplied a 2.90 ERA in six appearances for the Rangers, including a crucial relief appearance as Max Scherzer was coming undone in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Montgomery still profiles as more of a No. 3 starter than a No. 1, but his floor is elevated. Since 2021, he has made 94 starts with a 3.48 ERA and a 3.62 FIP," McCullough writes.

If Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish can become the one and two starters for Baltimore going forward, Montgomery would be an incredible piece to add to their rotation.

It's unlikely that they would be willing to spend upwards of $150 million on a third starter, however, and could see their potential free agent target playing for their division rival.