MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 09: Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Gausman (12) pitches during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)
Question: Do you have a few guys in mind that you think would be a good fit for the Orioles’ starting rotation, either by trade or free agent? From: Steve Sanmillan
Answer: Steve, I’m not one to try to construct trades, but there are a few names that could come up. One is Minnesota’s Joe Ryan, who’s under club control for another year. He’s been linked with the Orioles before.
Another is Reid Detmers from the Los Angeles Angels, but he has two more years before free agency and could command more in a deal.
With the Angels changing hands, interim general manager John Mozeliak, who won’t be staying on, might not have the authority to make major deals until after the sale is complete.
The Seattle Mariners have several interesting starters. Reports have indicated that Emerson Hancock could be available. He would be attractive because he has four more years of club control, but because of that, it could take a package of intriguing players to acquire him.
As for free agents, other than Trevor Rogers, some interesting names are one-time Oriole Kevin Gausman, Nick Martinez, who pitched well for Tampa Bay in 2026, and Clay Holmes, whom the Orioles saw a lot of when he pitched for the Yankees.
Question: Since the Orioles struggle with run production, any chance of them signing Jake Bauers. We need players to give us production or players who have are great with runners in scoring position. What do you think? From: Scott Defoy
Answer: Scott, Bauers is a really impressive player, and while he’s played lots of first base, and I think the Orioles are well fortified there with Pete Alonso, he could help them in the outfield.
I think he’ll have lots of suitors, and could accept the Brewers’ qualifying offer of $23.15 million.
If the Orioles signed Bauers, they’d surrender a draft choice, and I don’t think that they consider him worthy of that.
Call for questions: 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.
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