Orioles Viewed as One of ‘Likeliest’ Destinations for Cy Young Winner
The Baltimore Orioles continue to show interest in starting pitching this offseason. At the moment, they haven't made the huge move to add the ace pitcher that many were expecting them to do this offseason.
Most of that could be due to Dylan Cease not being moved yet. Reports have indicated since before the offseason that the Orioles are interested in landing the right-handed ace.
Baltimore's in one of those situations where they have the luxury of waiting things out, but might need to move with urgency. There are starting pitchers out there and while Cease might be their top option, they can't wait around in the hope that the Chicago White Sox finally trade him.
As the Orioles look for that top-of-the-line starter, former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell could be a great option. Snell, 31 years old, is coming off an impressive season where he posted a 2.25 ERA in 180 innings.
According to Will Leitch of MLB.com, Baltimore ranks as one of the "likeliest" destinations for his services. Leitch writes that it's the perfect fit for the team and possibly for Snell.
He then adds that the front office hasn't made a run at a big-name free agent in recent history, which could be an issue here.
Snell is older than Cease and Corbin Burnes, another name the Orioles have shown interest in, but adding a veteran arm isn't a bad thing by any means.
How much money the front office and ownership would be willing to shell out to land someone like the Cy Young winner is another obstacle in this scenario as well.
But one thing is certain. Baltimore must capitalize on this window.
The championship window looks to be just starting and that could lead to the front office trying to play this safe.
However, as has been evident in the past, windows can close much earlier than expected.
