Context:

The Baltimore Orioles are eyeing a significant addition to their pitching rotation ahead of the upcoming season, with a focus on acquiring a frontline starter. Despite a busy offseason, team President Mike Elias aims to enhance the squad's World Series potential, yet has not yet secured the desired arm as free agency options shrink. Expert predictions highlight Justin Verlander as a leading candidate, with his past performance and experience potentially providing the missing element for Baltimore's roster. If signed, Verlander could serve not just as a veteran presence but also as a pivotal player in critical games. The team's next steps will likely involve taking calculated risks to find a high-upside pitcher to complement their existing talent.

Dive Deeper:

• Mike Elias, the Orioles' President of Baseball Operations, has been vocal about his desire to sign a top-tier starting pitcher to bolster the team's rotation for the upcoming season.

• Expert Zachary D. Rymer from Bleacher Report has predicted that the Orioles are likely to sign either Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer, both of whom are former Cy Young winners with extensive MLB experience.

• Verlander's performance in the latter half of the 2022 season, where he achieved a 2.60 ERA, has dispelled doubts about his abilities, and he is seen as a valuable asset for a contending team.

• The Orioles are positioned to acquire Verlander at a potentially lower financial commitment, given his career stage, making the signing more feasible within their budget constraints.

• Securing Verlander could not only enhance the Orioles' immediate competitiveness but also provide mentorship opportunities for younger pitchers on the roster, aiding their development.