Former Exec Predicts Orioles' Potential Free Agent Target Signs With Division Rivals

With whispers turning a little louder that the Baltimore Orioles might not be able to land the ace pitcher they're looking for this offseason, their backup plan might have to be put in place soon.

After all, they can't just wait around if they don't think they can get one of the elite starters on the trade market.

With the loss of Kyle Gibson in free agency, the Orioles will have to replace 192 innings pitched and 33 starts over the course of their season.

Baltimore's front office could turn to their internal candidates with Cole Irvin, Tyler Wells and DL Hall likely competing for the fifth rotation spot, but if general manager Mike Elias has shown anything in the past, it's that he'll add a cheap free agent to eat innings.

That seems to be reiterated by an insider who named a few different options they could pursue.

33-year-old Mike Clevinger was one of those players they might be interested in after he put together a bounce back season with the Chicago White Sox last year.

The right-hander was one of the top pitchers in the game during his tenure in Cleveland. After making his debut in 2016, Clevinger put together three seasons with a combined record of 38-18, an ERA of 2.96 across 80 appearances, 74 starts and 447 2/3 innings pitched.

He was traded to the San Diego Padres during the 2020 season before undergoing Tommy John surgery that kept him out for the entire year in 2021.

Following that surgery, Clevinger never quite got back to the dominant form he showed early in his career, but his 3.77 ERA in 131 1/3 innings pitched with the White Sox in 2023 was a good sign. His ERA+ of 118 was above average for the first time since being out with his elbow injury.

He could be a good fit with the Orioles.

Not only was a he a top pitcher in the past, but it looks like he's getting closer to the pitcher he was before surgery.

However, MLB insider and former executive, Jim Bowden, thinks the righty will sign with their division rival Boston Red Sox this offseason.

"The Red Sox have missed out on the top free-agent starters this offseason but could pivot to Clevinger, who is 33 years old and has gone 60-39 with a 3.45 ERA over 788 innings in seven major-league seasons," he wrote in his article for The Athletic.

Clevinger would be a nice addition for Baltimore, but wouldn't make a major splash like Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes would.

However, landing this talented starter is much better than not adding anyone in the rotation this offseason.