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The Baltimore Orioles made an earlier-than-anticipated trip into the offseason after being swept in the American League Wild Card Round. General Manager Mike Elias was facing the departure of the team's ace, Corbin Burnes, and had work to do.
Burnes would eventually sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a six-year, $210 million deal to be closer to home, with reports surfacing earlier this month that the final offer from Elias and the Orioles was a four-year, $180 million pact. It would have been a record AAV for a pitcher not named Shohei Ohtani, but also a much shorter length than Burnes was looking for.
Instead of Burnes, Baltimore landed... *checks notes* 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano and 41-year-old Charlie Morton.
Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Sugano, 35, was one of the best pitchers in Japanese baseball this year, posting a 1.67 ERA and walking 16 against 111 strikeouts over 156.2 innings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 17, 2024
For what it's worth, Sugano has been one of the Orioles' best pitchers to this point in the year, holding a 3.43 ERA across a team-leading four starts and 21 innings entering play Saturday. On the other hand, Morton has posted an 8.84 ERA, also across four starts, but only 18 1/3 innings.
In fact, with Zach Eflin on the injured list, Sugano is the only pitcher in the rotation currently with an ERA below 6.00. Cade Povich is the closest to that mark at 6.38 across his four starts and 18 1/3 innings.
It is a stark contrast from the production the rotation provided last year, while only Burnes qualified for the ERA title. In 2024, the rotation finished the year ranked fifth in MLB for ERA at 3.77. So far this year, the rotation's 5.57 ERA has the team ranked 29th in MLB, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies at 5.73.
Here’s where the Orioles’ starting rotation ranks in MLB:
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) April 19, 2025
29th in ERA (5.57)
29th in WHIP (1.51)
29th in BAA (.300)
29th in HR allowed (19)
30th in K/9 (6.2)
It's a small sample, but a concerning one.
The team had options available in free agency outside of just Burnes, as well. Max Fried signed with the New York Yankees, where he has posted a 1.88 ERA through his first four starts and 24 innings. The Texas Rangers re-signed Nathan Eovaldi, who has pitched to a 2.55 ERA across four starts and 24 2/3 innings, including a complete game shutout on fewer than 100 pitches.
It once again comes down to the organization refusing to spend money (or give more years in Burnes's case) on big-time free agents to help the team improve. At this rate, it could even see the team miss out on the playoffs this year.
The talent is there on the offensive side of the ball. Gunnar Henderson is one of the biggest stars in the game, Adley Rutschman is the heir apparent to J.T. Realmuto for the title of Best Catcher in Baseball, and Jackson Holliday is even showing signs of improvement at the plate this year.
However, without a top-tier pitching staff, the offense can only carry you so far. Pitching wins championships, and in this day and age, it comes at a pretty penny. The winning teams are willing to dole it out.
More must-reads:
- Guardians executive opens up about Emmanuel Clase investigation, what comes next
- Nationals suffer brutal blow with pitching prospect set to undergo Tommy John surgery
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg dies after battle with cancer
Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg lost his battle with cancer on Monday. He was 65. A 20th-round selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1978 MLB Draft, Sandberg quickly moved through the Phillies system despite his humble beginnings. He made his major league debut at the end of the 1981 season, getting six plate appearances in 13 games, his only hit coming off of a bat he borrowed from shortstop Larry Bowa. Drafted as a shortstop, the Phillies hoped that Sandberg would be the heir apparent for Bowa. However, that 13-game stint convinced the Phillies that he was not the answer. Although Sandberg had played at second and third as well in the minors, he was blocked at those positions by Manny Trillo and Mike Schmidt respectively. Bowa and Sandberg were traded to the Cubs during the 1981-82 offseason, with shortstop Ivan DeJesus heading to Philadelphia. Sandberg, now a second baseman, had a solid first two seasons in Chicago before exploding into stardom in 1984. He posted a .314/.367/.520 batting line in his 700 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 36 doubles while stealing 32 bases as he led the Cubs to their first postseason berth since 1945. Sandberg made his first All-Star Game, was named the NL MVP, won a Silver Slugger and his second Gold Glove award. A perennial All-Star, Sandberg possessed a combination of power and speed at second base that was rare for his era. He was a 10-time All-Star, winning nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. Sandberg posted a lifetime .285/.344/.452 batting line in his 9282 plate appearances, hitting 282 homers and 403 doubles while stealing 344 bases. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame 2005 in his third year on the ballot. After a decade away from the game, Sandberg returned as a minor league manager in the Cubs system in 2007, moving up the ladder to Triple-A in 2009. After Cubs manager Mike Quade was fired, and Sandberg was passed over for the opening, he joined the Phillies organization in 2011. After three years in the Phillies organization, he became the interim manager in 2013, and was eventually hired full-time at the end of the season. Sandberg lasted just over two years in total as the Phillies manager, resigning after 74 games in 2015 as the losses piled up. He remained in the game as a goodwill ambassador for the Cubs before announcing that he had prostate cancer in 2024. Although his cancer had gone into remission, it returned in December, spreading to other organs before Sandberg ultimately lost his battle. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sandberg during this difficult time.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
Kirk Cousins makes notable leadership move after Falcons practice
Kirk Cousins might be relegated to the job of backup quarterback, but he is showing veteran leadership to his Atlanta Falcons teammates. Following Sunday's practice, Cousins pulled aside rookie defensive end James Pearce to encourage the first-round pick after his fourth practice in the league at Flowery Branch, Georgia. "QB Kirk Cousins pulled aside Pearce after practice to compliment him on a pass batted down," wrote Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Cousins reportedly had a solid day of practice on Sunday, going 7-of-12 passing against the first-team unit. If Cousins wants out of Atlanta, he's not showing it at practice. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is competing on the field and being a good teammate around the facility. Cousins' actions on the field backed up what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot praised Cousins for before the team's practice on Sunday. “Outside, it's a lot more of a deal than it is in the building,” Fontenot said to the media about the idea of friction between the Falcons and Cousins, per video from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “He shows up, he does his job, just like anybody ... We've gotta build the best 70-man roster so we can go win games. "That's what we're focused on, and Kirk, just like all the other players, is focused on coming in here and doing their job. That's what he's been doing." Fontenot didn't dismiss the idea that Atlanta would trade Cousins before the season. He said the Falcons will do whatever it takes to make the team better, but stressed that Cousins has been a professional throughout the process of being replaced by Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick from the 2024 draft. “In terms of making moves, whether it's trades or acquiring players, we're always looking at those factors," Fontenot said. "We're gonna do whatever we can do to make this team the best it can possibly be. But he's been a great professional, and he's handled himself well.” Cousins is coming to work in a manner that will make another owner want to take a chance on the veteran quarterback. That could be one of his best-selling points before he plays in his 13th season in the league.
2 key Commanders players struggling early in 2025 NFL training camp
Things improved for the Washington Commanders when Terry McLaurin finally showed up to camp. And head coach Dan Quinn was among the happy people. However, McLaurin’s previous absence and the consequences put him as one of two Commanders players struggling early in the team’s 2025 training camp. The Commanders are looking forward to what they hope will be another strong regular season and one more step further in the playoffs. But McLaurin’s contract demands and subsequent absence have been a big distraction for the Commanders. Commanders WR Terry McLaurin has ground to make up A six-year veteran, McLaurin should be able to make up for lost time. However, even veterans sometimes suffer from straying from the normal preseason routines. So it remains to be seen whether McLaurin’s absences will cost him when the regular season rolls around. Either in the form of injury or reduced production. It also doesn’t help that McLaurin has lost valuable time continuing to grow the timing and relationship with second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a promising season into a disappointing one. Adding to the woes, McLaurin still doesn’t have a deal. That could shift hiim from a locker room boost to a player whose self-focus hurts the team. Of course, the Commanders are trying to say the right things. That’s all they can do at this point. Quinn said the Commanders are happy to have McLaurin back, according to nfl.com. “Terry McLaurin has reported, and we’re very happy about that,” Quinn said. “I’m really pumped that he is here. He is such an awesome competitor. At his core, that’s who he is. “He’ll start training camp on PUP for his ankle. On the business side, (Commanders General Manager Adam Peters) and the guys are still working very hard with Terry and his rep on the business side of things. While on PUP — just like we do with the other guys. He’ll be working with the trainers to get back as soon as he can.” McLaurin also tried to put a positive spin on the negative situation. “It feels good to be around my teammates and around my fans,” McLaurin said. “I can’t beat that at all. They show me a lot of love and support, and I just try to give that back, not just on the field but off the field.” But the truth is, the Commanders and McLaurin don’t appear to be close on a contract, according to commanderswire.com. “It’s been vast,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said when asked what the separation was between the two sides. “It’s up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences. But I would say that DK Metcalf was the same draft class as Terry McLaurin; he got about $33 million per year. And I wouldn’t think that Terry is going to take less than that. I think he wants considerably more than that. Now, what it comes in at, we’ll wind up seeing.” DE Andre Jones Jr. slipping down depth chart It didn’t help Jones’ cause that the Commanders signed Von Miller. It’s not like Jones was battling for a starting spot, but he’s not even in the roster picture at this point. He stands as a fourth-teamer behind Miller, Dorance Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jalyn Holmes, and Clelin Ferrell. When the Commanders selected Jones in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, his former college position coach at Louisiana thought it was a steal thought it was a great pick, according to commanders.com. “I think Washington got a steal,” Giuliani said. “He’s capable of anything.” However, Jones has made only two starts over two seasons with zero sacks and five tackles. And now it looks like his days with the Commanders could be moving toward their end. His overall grade of 39.3 from Pro Football Focus doesn’t help his cause. It ranked 203 out of 211 defensive ends. He had a slightly better pass-rush grade of 52.7, but it only moved the needle to No. 178 in that category. Still, he’s with a team that needs to improve its pass rush. Adding Miller could help, but the Commanders plan to harass quarterbacks by committee for the most part. However, it could help Jones’ cause that Miller wants to help the younger players, according to commanders.com. “I tell them what I should have been doing,” Miller said. “And that could be just different dynamics on the football field or rushing or just coming to work, just your daily process at work. So, I still love working with the young guys, and that’s something that I’ll be able to offer to this team.”
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