Could Baltimore Orioles Pursue Former Giants Starter in Bold Free Agency Move?

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly looking to play in the deep end of the pool and pursue elite pitching in free agency.

That includes additions for both the bullpen and rotation.

Of course, there are few options on the market and Aaron Nola, seen by many as the top option, already re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million deal.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell lead the rest of the elite portion of this class and then it falls to Jordan Montgomery and Michael Wacha. But one under-the-radar move could be to sign former San Francisco Giants starter Sean Manaea.

As MLB.com points out, Manaea isn't the showy option and he isn't an "ace" by any stretch of the imagination. But if he can stay healthy, the 31-year-old could provide some meaningful innings from the back of the rotation. Much like a Kyle Gibson-type guy but with a higher ceiling.

Aside from his 2023 campaign, Manaea has been relatively reliable in terms of health. Last season he pitched 117.0 innings, but has routinely pitched more than 150-plus innings in his career.

His career 4.10 ERA and 1.223 WHIP aren't exactly jaw-dropping, but he showed his ceiling in 2018 with the Oakland Athletics when he pitched to a 3.59 ERA over the course of 160.2 innings pitched.

If Baltimore could get some resemblance of his 2018 form in a bounce back type season, then pursuing Manaea in free agency could be one of the most shrewd moves a team makes this offseason.

The question remains: is the gamble worth the potential reward?

Published Nov 25, 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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