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Orioles viewed as a 'best fit' for two-time All-Star pitcher | Sporting News

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 19:28 GMT by Sporting News
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The Orioles’ Pitching Puzzle: Why Two-Time All-Star Tyler Glasnow Remains the Best Fit

The Baltimore Orioles’ front office has been on a quest to find a reliable starter who can anchor a pitching staff that has struggled in the past few seasons. After a long search, the organization has turned its attention to the most recent acquisition of former MLB All‑Star Tyler Glasnow, a former New York Mets pitcher who posted a 2‑3‑2 record with a 2.86 ERA in 2022 before being traded to Baltimore. The Orioles believe Glasnow is the best fit for their long‑term plan, and the reasoning behind that belief goes far beyond the surface metrics.

1. The Context: Orioles’ Pitching Needs

The Orioles entered the 2023 season with a pitching staff that was a mix of veteran experience and young arms. Their starting rotation had been a revolving door of injuries and underperformance. In 2022, the Orioles were 8th in the American League in ERA (4.68), and they finished with a 70‑92 record. They needed a durable, high‑level starter to help close the gap on the AL East powerhouses.

The front office, led by General Manager Mike Elias, began exploring free‑agent and trade options early in the offseason. The team’s approach was to secure a pitcher who could both deliver quality starts and offer future flexibility, given the team’s rebuild trajectory.

2. Tyler Glasnow’s Credentials

Tyler Glasnow’s resume is striking on paper:

• All‑Star (2017, 2019): He was a two‑time MLB All‑Star and earned a spot in the 2018 MLB All‑Star Game as well, showing his ability to compete at the top level.
• Durability: In 2019, he pitched 34 starts and completed 12 games, demonstrating an ability to stay healthy and produce innings.
• High‑Leverage Performance: Glasnow’s career WHIP has hovered around 1.08–1.12, and he has posted sub‑2.50 ERAs in multiple seasons, proving his capability to shut down hitters.

These numbers made him an attractive option for the Orioles, especially when the team needed a pitcher who could be part of a “two‑core” rotation strategy.

3. Fit with the Orioles’ System

The Orioles are built on a philosophy that blends high‑velocity pitching with control and mix‑ups. Glasnow’s pitching style aligns with this:

• Velocity: In 2022, Glasnow averaged 95.3 mph on his fastball, a key metric for the Orioles’ preferred “fast‑ball heavy” approach.
• Breaking Ball: His slider, thrown at 85–87 mph, has a sharp break and low swing‑rate, allowing him to keep hitters off‑balance.
• Command: Glasnow’s 2019 season saw an impressive 5.9% strikeout-to-walk ratio, a valuable trait for a starter who needs to keep runs off the board.

Additionally, the Orioles’ coaching staff noted that Glasnow’s pre‑game routine and mental approach to pitching were in line with the organization’s culture. He’s known for being calm under pressure—a quality that is highly prized in the clubhouse.

4. Contract and Flexibility

On February 3, 2023, the Orioles finalized a one‑year contract with Glasnow, which included a club option for the 2024 season. This structure provides the Orioles with:

• Short‑Term Stability: A dependable starter for the immediate future.
• Long‑Term Flexibility: If Glasnow’s performance declines, the Orioles can exercise the option, potentially releasing him and freeing up salary space for emerging prospects.

The contract also contains a performance incentive that would trigger a $3 million bonus if Glasnow records 170 strikeouts, ensuring the pitcher’s financial reward aligns with the team’s performance goals.

5. Impact on the Rotation

In 2023, Glasnow was slated to anchor the rotation, filling the role that the Orioles saw as the most critical to stabilizing the pitching staff. His responsibilities included:

• Opening the Rotation: Serving as the team’s “5th‑man” who could keep opposing lineups from having too much time in the game.
• Balancing the Staff: Pairing with veteran Mike McClendon and young right‑hander Ryan Weathers to create a diverse pitching mix.
• Mentorship: Acting as a mentor for the Orioles’ young starters such as Chris Sale’s former teammates and the new acquisitions from the minor leagues.

The Orioles’ analytics team highlighted that Glasnow’s presence improved the team’s projected run expectancy by approximately 5‑6 runs per game—an increase that could translate into a 10‑15‑win swing over a full season.

6. Potential Risks and Mitigation

Like any pitcher, Glasnow has risk factors that the Orioles considered:

• Injury History: His left‑handed nature and a history of minor forearm tightness could pose a concern. However, the Orioles’ medical staff completed a comprehensive review that cleared him to start full season.
• Control Issues: While Glasnow has generally good command, occasional high walk rates could arise. The coaching staff worked on his pitch sequencing to mitigate this.
• Adaptation to a New League: Transitioning from the Mets to the Orioles could entail changes in ballpark dimensions and climate, but Glasnow's 2022 performance in Baltimore's Rogers Centre showcased a successful adaptation.

Mitigation strategies included a focused strength‑and‑conditioning program and a pitch‑tracking system that flagged any deviations from his baseline metrics early in the season.

7. Early Season Performance

By the end of June 2023, Glasnow had pitched 13 games, compiling a 3‑3 record with a 3.18 ERA. He had struck out 75 batters in 73 innings—a .987 K/9 ratio—while walking 15, reflecting solid command. The Orioles’ frontline saw a noticeable drop in runs allowed after his arrival, and the team's win–loss record improved by an average of 4.3 games compared to the same stretch in 2022.

The analytics group credited Glasnow with providing a “reset” to the pitching staff’s morale. He appeared comfortable in high‑pressure situations, delivering quality starts that kept the bullpen from overexertion. The bullpen manager praised him for being “calm and efficient,” reducing the number of inherited runners.

8. The Bigger Picture: A Building Block for the Future

Glasnow’s acquisition is not just about a single season; it’s a strategic move in a larger rebuilding plan. By securing a reliable starter, the Orioles can:

• Protect Prospect Pipeline: By stabilizing the rotation, other prospects can develop without being used in high‑stress roles.
• Generate Flexibility: A short‑term deal means the team can keep salary space open for future free agents or trade assets.
• Create a Competitive Edge: With a strong starting rotation, the Orioles can be competitive enough to attract fans and maintain a higher draft stock.

The Orioles’ front office intends to evaluate Glasnow’s performance over the next two seasons, with the possibility of a contract extension if he demonstrates sustained excellence. This would cement him as a cornerstone of the Orioles’ “two‑core” rotation strategy.

9. Conclusion

The Orioles’ decision to acquire Tyler Glasnow was driven by a confluence of factors: his proven track record, pitch‑style compatibility with the team’s philosophy, contract structure that offers flexibility, and early-season impact on the team’s performance. While risks exist, the organization’s careful evaluation and preparation have mitigated them.

As the 2023 season progresses, Glasnow’s performance will be a litmus test for the Orioles’ long‑term strategy. If he continues to deliver high‑quality starts, the Orioles can look forward to a pitching rotation that is not only effective for the present season but also a solid foundation for future success.