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.

Published Nov 1, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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