An Orioles reunion with Kevin Gausman is almost a perfect solution except for one glaring concern

Writer Nicholas Stevens argues that while free-agent pitcher Kevin Gausman could fit the Baltimore Orioles' rotation, declining fastball metrics present major concerns. Gausman, who pitched for Baltimore from 2013 to 2018, is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to land a two-year, $44 million contract in free agency. The 35-year-old right-hander split 2026 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs, posting a 4.51 ERA alongside a 3.74 FIP.

Stevens highlights that Gausman's fastball velocity dropped nearly one mph, yielding a career-low 15% whiff rate and an elevated 1.32 home runs per nine innings. Although park factors in Chicago may have skewed his numbers, Stevens concludes the Orioles should pursue other rotation upgrades.