Orioles extending Trevor Rogers the qualifying offer is a big first step towards solving the rotation

The Baltimore Orioles have officially issued a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer to starting pitcher Trevor Rogers. Writer Caleb Moody argues that this move represents a critical first step for front office executives Mike Elias and Jared Banner as they attempt to stabilize the club's starting rotation. By extending the offer, Baltimore guarantees high-round draft pick compensation should Rogers decline and depart via free agency.

Moody notes that extending the offer does not guarantee Rogers will return, though looming labor uncertainty may make guaranteed money appealing. The writer emphasizes that regardless of whether Rogers stays or leaves, Baltimore must still aggressively pursue a true number-one starter this winter, pointing to targets such as Freddy Peralta, Michael King, or Tarik Skubal to properly supplement rotation arms Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz.