Baltimore Orioles Seen as Strong Fit for World Series Hero in Free Agency
The Baltimore Orioles will be looking to add to their starting rotation this offseason. While they could address the need by trading from their outfield logjam, they could opt to go the more traditional, albeit, expensive route of free agency.
The Athletic postulated some fits for pending free agents, as well as predicted contracts, in a recent article.
Naturally, the 101-win Orioles were listed for multiple players, namely starting pitchers.
One name that was connected to Baltimore is current Texas Rangers left-handed starter Andrew Heaney.
Heaney just played the hero role in Game 4 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was thrust into the start after Jon Gray, who was slated to start Game 4, was forced to pitch for the injured Max Scherzer in Game 3.
Heaney stepped up and delivered five innings of one-run ball against the National League champions. He also struck out three in the process.
The southpaw has had a feast or famine MLB career that has spanned a decade with the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and now the Rangers.
Heaney holds a career 4.49 ERA with a 1.268 WHIP over 10 seasons. The lefty is known for his solid stuff with high strikeout capabilities. However, he has trouble staying healthy and when his stuff isn't at its peak, things can get dicey for the starter.
Still, he could fit well into the Orioles' rotation as a fourth or fifth pitcher, especially at the predicted $25 million over two years deal. It measures well with Baltimore's desire to keep a lower payroll while adding capable talent that has the potential to eat effective innings, if healthy.
All in all, Heaney is a good fit for the young Orioles squad.
