This Baltimore Orioles Pitcher is Due for a Bounce Back Season

The Baltimore Orioles have seen a lot of good, and a lot of bad so far this offseason. Signing Pete Alonso early into free agency gave Baltimore fans a sense of hope that they haven't really had. President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias established that he had three main goals: Add an impact bat, improve the bullpen, and add a top of the rotation starting pitcher. 

Elias signed an impact bat, and you could argue the bullpen is improved, but Elias has yet to sign that top of the rotation starting pitcher that he encouraged fans he would do. 

Luckily for Baltimore fans, they have a pitcher returning from injury that a lot of people have ignored this offseason, but is destined for a huge 2026 season.

Tyler Wells was at one point the best starting pitcher on a 101 win Baltimore squad, as he posted a 3.18 ERA and an MLB-best 0.93 WHIP across 104.2 innings prior to the All-Star break in 2023. Unfortunately for Wells, he was not able to build upon his first half success, as in his first three starts post All-Star break, he had a combined 11.00 ERA, prompting Baltimore to demote him to Triple-A. 

Heading into the 2024 season, Wells was no longer pressured with becoming the "ace", as Baltimore traded for Corbin Burnes and saw Kyle Bradish breakout. Unfortunately for Wells, his struggles from late 2023 would bleed into 2024, as he posted a poor 5.78 ERA in only three starts as he had to receive elbow surgery that would end his season. 

Wells missed well over a year of time, but made his triumphant return in August of 2025. When Wells returned to action, you could tell that this is a pitcher who was HUNGRY to return on the mound. In only four starts last season, Wells posted a strong 2.91 ERA with a. 0.88 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 21.2 innings of work, displaying that he still has the stuff to be a good arm for a contending teams' rotation. 

I believe that Baltimore will greatly benefit from having Wells back, but the most important thing is him staying healthy. Whether he's starting games or coming out of the bullpen, Wells will play a massive role in Baltimore's 2026 success. Personally, I would love to see Wells start in the rotation, but with him still nursing an elbow surgery, it's best to bring him out of the bullpen where he could succeed more.