Orioles absolutely need to give top pitching prospect Michael Forret a chance in 2027

Matthew Swigonski of Birds Watcher argues that the Baltimore Orioles must give top pitching prospect Michael Forret an opportunity in their starting rotation in 2027. With Chris Bassitt likely departing and Trevor Rogers' role uncertain, rotation openings will emerge. Despite recording a 5.43 ERA in Triple-A this season, the 22-year-old right-hander demonstrated his strong potential by striking out 69 batters across 61.1 innings pitched.

Swigonski notes that Baltimore originally drafted Forret in 2023, traded him to Tampa Bay in a package for Shane Baz, and reacquired him for Tyler Wells. The writer views Forret as one of the organization's most major league-ready pitchers and believes his deception, mid-90s fastballs, and strong changeup make him an ideal candidate to compete for a back-end rotation spot.