What is Orioles’ list of needs for 2027? | MAILBAG

Question: The 2026 season is over for Baltimore. Lockout/strike aside … this winter, the 2027 Orioles need:
1) An Ace
2) A  left-handed relief closer type to pair with their two right-handed relief closer types, Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista, if they are healthy
3) A centerfielder
4) A rightfielder
5) To sign Trevor Rogers to be their No. 3 starter

Tyler O’Neill is a dilemma. Leody Taveras is gone. Ryan Mountcastle is gone. Chris Bassitt is gone. Andrew Kittredge is gone. Zach Eflin is likely gone. Keegan Akin is likely gone.

And they cannot trade any of their top 10 minor league pitching prospects except Trey Gibson.

Tell me where I’m wrong. Thanks. From: Doug in Ellicott City

Answer: Doug, I don’t disagree with your list of needs. I’ve long believed the Orioles need a top-tier left-handed closer. Their outfield needs improvement, and I think that Rogers should be re-signed.

I take issue with your point that the Orioles can’t trade any of their top 10 pitching prospects except for Trey Gibson.

In order to get an ace or quality outfielders, the Orioles might have to trade a few of their pitching prospects. That’s why they’ve amassed a large number of quality pitchers.

Some of them won’t be successful in the majors, but I think they have enough where they can trade a few to help get what they need to contend in 2027 and beyond.

By the way, even though their record is disappointing, their season may still not be over.

Question: You wrote the following; “In return for three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman and another catcher, Jake Rogers, who’s already been designated for assignment…”

Why the heck do you include a player in a trade deal and then designate that player “for assignment” right off the old bat? Why not get a low-level prospect instead and send the prospect to low Class A? What am I missing here? From: Lawson Deaton

Answer: Lawson, at the time of the trade, Rutschman was on the injured list. While both teams were confident that he would recover quickly, and he did, injuries often linger, and while Rutschman was still on the IL, the Red Sox needed another catcher because they traded Carlos Narváez to the Orioles.

It turned out that Rogers played three games for Boston while Rutschman was still on the injured list, and once he came off, Rogers was designated for assignment and he’s now with the Chicago White Sox.

The Red Sox had Connor Wong as their primary catcher while they waited for Rutschman to return. What if Wong had been hurt? Because catchers are so vital, teams don’t want to be caught short, even for a few days.

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.