Baltimore Orioles Predicted as Landing Spot for Four-Time All-Star

The Baltimore Orioles look to be one of the top teams in baseball once again this year, building upon the 101 wins and American League East first-place finish in 2023.

With Felix Bautista sidelined, the front office added Craig Kimbrel in the offseason this winter, giving them a veteran option on the mound who can get outs in the bullpen. Kimbrel, 35 years old, isn’t what he used to be as formerly one of the best closers in baseball, but he can still give the Orioles decent innings and finish out games.

He allowed one earned run on a homer in his first and only outing of the season while striking out two hitters, but he blew his first save opportunity and forced them to win on a walk-off blast by Jordan Westburg.

In the 2023 season, Kimbrel was named an All-Star, posting a 3.26 ER in 69 innings pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

While the veteran can likely be trusted throughout the year, the Orioles could look to make another splash in the bullpen, giving them more flexibility throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Of the available names on the potential trade market, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report views Kenley Jansen as a fit in Baltimore. Jansen, similar to Kimbrel in the fact that he isn’t in his prime, has had one of the best careers ever as a closer. 

The 36-year-old has posted a career 2.52 ERA and has over 400 saves. He was also named an All-Star in 2023, posting a 3.63 ERA in 44 2/3 innings pitched.

Jansen was floated in trade rumors all offseason, a sign that a move could be coming. If that does happen, the Orioles could land another top-tier bullpen arm as Bautista recovers from his injury.