Do Orioles have any minor league starters who could help them in 2026? | MAILBAG

Question: My father and I are lifelong Oriole fans. Do the Orioles have any standout pitchers in their minor leagues they could bring up and give a shot as a starter? One who can solidify himself like Jim Palmer did. From: Raymond Miller

Answer: Ray, I don’t see any starting pitchers from the minor leagues who’ll break camp with the Orioles, but it’s possible that later this season you’ll see Trey Gibson, who was the organization’s minor league pitcher of the year. I think Nestor German and Levi Wells, who, like Gibson, ended the season at Triple-A Norfolk, also could be factors if they do well with the Tides and there’s a need.

It would be nice if the Orioles discovered another Jim Palmer, but pitchers as good as he was are a rarity.

Question: Last year I asked you about a salary cap, which you were not in favor of. With Kyle Tucker heading to LA, what do you think the chances are the owners decide enough is enough and lock out the players starting in 2027?  I looked up and found the Dodgers will have at least 14 players making $10 million or more! From Jack Saverino

Answer: Jack, I checked, and including Tucker, the Dodgers will have 14 players making $12 million or more. While I’m not in favor of a salary cap, I’m fairly certain the owners are determined to implement one, and, yes, I think a lockout looks unavoidable. I’m afraid I’ll be writing about this a lot in the coming year because the players have long opposed one, and I think an unpleasant fight is coming.

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.