Will Orioles use No. 1 pick on a starting pitcher? | MAILBAG

Question: Since GM Mike Elias is adverse to signing proven No. 1 starting pitchers unless they come cheaply, is there any indication that he will draft starting pitchers like Ben McDonald or Mike Mussina in the draft? It seems the only way we will get a true No. 1 ace is to draft them. From: Bryan Fugate

Answer: Bryan, as you know, Elias has not yet used a No. 1 pick on a starting pitcher, and I’m not sure he’ll do it this year.

There aren’t many true aces in baseball. Even though the Orioles were linked with Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez over the winter, I don’t think they’re true aces. They’re excellent pitchers, but not undisputed No. 1’s.

The only time the Orioles have had a top-tier starter since Mussina was when Elias acquired Corbin Burnes for the 2024 season.

Question: Any chance an Orioles catcher will throw out a guy trying to steal second any time this season? From: Bill

Answer: Bill, entering Thursday’s game, the Orioles have thrown out 31 percent of runners attempting to steal, which is significantly better than the 21 percent league average.

Adley Rutschman has thrown out three of nine runners (33.3 percent) and Samuel Basallo one of four (25 percent). No runner has attempted to steal against Sam Huff.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.