Who is the biggest ‘What if’ in Orioles history? | MAILBAG

Question: Who is the biggest “what if” in Orioles history in your view? That is, what player is most notable for not reaching his potential because of injuries or other issues? From: Timothy Fowler

Answer: Tim, you often send in questions I’ve never contemplated. I didn’t live in Baltimore until 1980, so I’ll take it from then on. I would say Dylan Bundy, who was the fourth overall pick in 2011 and reached the major leagues a year later in 2012 at 19.

Bundy’s injuries prevented him from pitching in the major leagues from 2013-2015, and though he had good years in 2016 and 2017, he had awful years in 2018 and 2019 and was traded away. Fortunately, the Orioles obtained Kyle Bradish for Bundy, who pitched three final seasons for the Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota.

Nolan Reimold, another injury-plagued player, also fits into this category as does John Means, who was a terrific pitcher when he was healthy.

Question: Can you really expect anything from Thairo Estrada this year?  Can you please explain to me the logic behind acquiring Estrada?  From: Joe Meglen

Answer: Joe, because of unexpected injuries to second baseman Jackson Holliday and third basean Jordan Westburg, the Orioles are trying to acquire several alternatives. Estrada had good years in 2022 and 2023 but injury-plagued years in 2024 and 2025.

The Orioles have Blaze Alexander, Jeremiah Jackson, Luis Vázquez and Weston Wilson in addition to Estrada, so there’s plenty of competition. It doesn’t cost them much if they decide that Estrada can’t help them or there isn’t room for him.

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.