When will the Orioles trade for a No. 1 starter?| MAILBAG

Question: Ever since the Winter Meetings, several times each day I click on this awesome app. Each time, I get to read some excellent, interesting articles … thank you. But what I’m really waiting for is when you’ll break the news that our Orioles have traded for the front-end starter we have been looking for. Perhaps Dylan Cease? Maybe Luis Castillo? Someone who can take the place of Corbin Burnes. Someone who can take pressure off of Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez (and let them face other teams’ number 2 and 3 pitchers).

I consider our “window” open right now. Let’s go win it all this year. I think we need to do what it takes to get this done. If that means Coby Mayo and some picks, then so be it. We have a young talented team that’s ready now. Am I wrong? From: Kevin Caselli

Answer: Kevin, I think if the Orioles are going to make a trade for Dylan Cease, Luis Castillo or other top starter, they’d make it before spring training begins in the next two weeks. That’s what happened last year with Corbin Burnes. I’d be surprised if they made a major trade once spring training began.

I think 2025 is an important season for the Orioles because their young core players need to improve if they’re going to be a contender. I really don’t know what it might take to get Cease or Castillo, whether it’s a player like Mayo and/or players already on the major league roster.

Question: What is the mindset of pitchers who are not viewed as a team’s ace or a number 1 starter? From: Dave Robinson, O’s fan in Michigan.

Answer: Dave, I think most pitchers who are not an ace, and there really aren’t that many in the majors, or a number 1 starter, want to be an ace or a number 1 starter.

Starters shouldn’t try to concern themselves with their position in the rotation. If they pitch well, they’ll move up in the rotation.

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.