Elias on Orioles’ starting rotation: ‘Very strong, very talented’

SARASOTA–Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said he likes the team’s current starting rotation despite the failure to sign one of their two reported targets, Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez.

“We have a very good rotation,” Elias said on Tuesday in a video conference call organized by Major League Baseball.

“A talented group of guys, some external additions. [Zach] Eflin was a re-sign, brought him in from free agency. Shane Baz, we made a major trade. We got [Kyle] Bradish back for a full season. Trevor Rogers coming off his campaign, Dean Kremer. All of the depth, a lot of which we saw last year, Brandon Young, Cade Povich. I think it’s a really strong group.”

Another pitcher who had been loosely linked with the Orioles, Justin Verlander, signed a one-year, $13 million contract with $11 million deferred with Detroit on Tuesday. Valdez signed a three-year, $115 contract with the Tigers last week.

“We’re staying plugged in with the trade and free-agent markets as all teams are as we ease into camp, so there’s still a possibility for external [additions], but I think our rotation is very strong and very talented,” Elias said.

Pitchers and catchers reported on Tuesday, and the first workout is on Wednesday.

Although Elias said he liked the current rotation, he isn’t ruling out a late addition. Last year, needing starting depth, the Orioles signed Kyle Gibson late in spring training, but he was quickly released after a 16.78 ERA in four starts.

“Late signings can be tricky,” Elias said. “Historically, they tend to not work out as well as those that happen earlier. Very mindful of that. I don’t think we’re at that point where you shut things off, but it’s something you keep an eye on and you start to throttle down when you get to the point where somebody might be coming in too late to get properly prepared for the season.

“I can’t handicap what’s going to happen. We’re always looking to improve the team and have those conversations. I think we have a very good team as it stands right now, and it’s one that’s capable of winning this division, and we’ve just got to put in the work. Our front office is very plugged in to the markets, and there’s still time for that if it comes to fruition.”

Elias on Alexander

Last week, the Orioles acquired utility infielder Blaze Alexander from Arizona in exchange for reliever Kade Strowd and two prospects.

“The roster was in need of some more infield depth, more versatility,” Elias said. “Blaze Alexander is a very talented player, a lot of physical tools, can play basically every position on the diamond except catcher, hits from the right side of the plate, so it was a very good roster fit for us. It will help us at every single infield position, has the ability to go out and spell in the outfield as needed, can run.

“A lot of the guys that served the utility role for us last year, Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo, aren’t with the team anymore, so we were looking to bringing in some extra talent in that area, so I think Blaze is going to be a really big part of our team.”

Elias on Mayo

The signing of Pete Alonso created a surplus at first base. Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are on the roster, and with the acquisition of Alexander, it seems unlikely that both Mayo and Mountcastle will be on the Opening Day roster. Mayo could play some outfield.

“That’s something that we’re planning on talking about with Coby, but also with our coaching staff here,” Elias said. “I do expect that we’re going to see him in places other than first base, but first base will continue to be something we’re emphasizing with him, and we’ll see him there as well.”

Note: Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitched for the Orioles last season, has signed a one-year, $5.1 million contract with the Colorado Rockies.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.