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BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Executive vice president and general manager for the Baltimore Orioles Mike Elias looks on during batting practice prior to a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

After making some big moves this offseason, things haven’t gone as planned for the Baltimore Orioles early in 2026. Forty-four games into the season, they are 20-24 and nine games out in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays.

There might be some good news, however, for not only the Orioles, but the rest of the AL. It doesn’t appear that the American League is going to be as dominating as it has been in years past. That means even though some teams that are under .500 currently, there are a couple of paths to the postseason in October.

That will make things interesting come the trade deadline in August. There is still a lot of baseball to be played between now and then. Memorial Day isn’t for another 10 days. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the trade market heat up sooner than August. If it does, Baltimore was urged to look for starting pitching.

Baltimore Orioles Urged To Look for Starting Pitching Through Trade Market

There have been several reasons for the Orioles’ struggles in 2026. Pitching is one of them, but the lack of production from other players is also a concern. Let’s not overlook the injury to Jackson Holliday as well. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report isn’t worried about the offensive struggles.

“For a team that has been playing without Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg and more while also not getting much of anything out of Coby Mayo, Tyler O’Neill or Colton Cowser, Baltimore’s offense has been surprisingly respectable and should only improve from here,” Miller wrote.

However, the issues on the mound have been a big reason for the struggles. In 44 starts, Baltimore has only 10 quality starts and an ERA north of 5.00. That’s not going to win too many games in the AL East, and it will eventually cause them to fade from the wild-card race if it continues.

“The starting rotation, however, has been a trainwreck, with 10 arms combining for a 5.04 ERA and just 10 quality starts. Which particular under-performing starter(s) would get bumped from the rotation is open to debate, but Baltimore would be aggressively pursuing ace potential on the trade block,” wrote Miller.

What does Mike Elias and the front office do? There will be no shortage of top arms available between now and the trade deadline.

What Options Do the Baltimore Orioles Have To Address Pitching Woes?

This season feels like there are going to be some big arms available and moved. With questions surrounding the 2027 season, a potential lockout is looming. Will teams look to move pitchers with term before a potential strike happens?

Which pitchers could be had? Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins is going to be a hot name, as is Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins. Clay Holmes from the New York Mets could become available, as could Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants. It wouldn’t be surprising to see some rather big moves from the Giants.

Things are still well within reach for Baltimore this season, and if their offense does come around, they’ll be fine. Pitching-wise, an addition from outside the organization is an almost-must if they are going to hang around in the AL wild-card race into the fall. There will be no shortage of options.