O’s, Michael Wacha: Would possible deal make sense moving forward?

Right now, as Orioles fans, we’re all weighing one big question in our minds: Is Michael Wacha worth signing to the roster? That question requires us to look at a multitude of factors.

We have to think of the cost of the deal, the current rotation, our current monetary situation and what next year’s free agency class looks like. There are a lot of variables to consider, and it’s a rather big question for the team.

Does signing Wacha boost the team enough to make a significant postseason run? Let’s jump right in and break this down one variable at a time.

COST OF THE DEAL

The current reported price that Wacha is looking for is two years for somewhere around $30 million. Wacha has had some very strong years, so that’s not all that crazy for the only quality starter left on the free agent market.

So the question is: Is there any reason why he might not be worth that kind of deal?

It’s no secret that he has battled a series of injuries since his days in St. Louis. Even if he’s not able to perform as well as he did back then, he’s still a very solid pitcher at the age of 31.

Despite the solid production and last year’s bounce back season, the injuries are cause for concern, so paying a guy with such extensive injury history would be a tough pill to swallow for the Orioles front office.

EDGE: No Deal

THE CURRENT ROTATION

The Orioles have a lot of players who could factor into the rotation, some old, some new and some young that have yet to be tested.

With the team already having their hands full deciding which guys will crack the rotation out of spring, is it smart to grab a question mark of a veteran and make the choices that much tougher?

Wacha brings to the table a solid middle of the rotation option and the quiet leadership of a vet. He also fills the big shoes of John Means until he returns.

As far as rotation impact, Wacha is more help than not, but we have to take into consideration the fact that he would be taking away a spot for someone like D.L. Hall, Tyler Wells or Bruce Zimmermann, who could all benefit from developing time in the majors.

EDGE: Make the Deal

FINANCIAL SITUATION

This is short, sweet and to the point. The Orioles have a very low pay roll.

Therefore, they have a lot of available funds. Let’s just all agree that if they wanted him, they could absolutely afford him at this point in time.

However, a lot of guys have contracts to reevaluate on the horizon. So, while they can certainly afford Wacha, they have to make sure if they take him, he’s not going to factor into the ability of retaining some of the core younger players the O’s have.

If they don’t get any true production and value from him and his signing keeps the core guys from being retained, that really sets back the teams’ future contending and postseason aspirations.

Maybe they should think about the price he’s asking for. Is the risk worth the reward?

EDGE: No Deal

PROJECTED 2024 FREE AGENTS

We can’t even list all the names of the free agent players next year that are big-time additions. There’s a ton of guys on the table, and plenty that would be better, safer bets than Wacha.

So, with that many talented options next year, why take the chance and jump the gun on Wacha?

Who’s to say how many of those guys re-sign before the end of the season? There’s also the wonder of how many of them are possible trade targets this year.

Orioles GM Mike Elias did express that the front office would explore the trade market as more of a possibility thanks to the organization having the consensus top farm system in baseball.

It seems like the team would be better off seeing what next year brings if we’re comparing Wacha to the plethora of names available next year. Guys like Julio Urías, Aaron Nola, Lucas Giolito, Blake Snell and Marcus Stroman, to name a few.

EDGE: No Deal

THE FINAL VERDICT

All in all, it truly is a tough call to make.

Wacha can help this team stack some wins and offer some experience and quality outings come postseason time. However, he also carries a lot of injury history baggage, which throws that value into question.

Should the O’s wait to try and spend for a true ace next offseason and just see how guys like Irvin, Rodriguez and Gibson do? Should they take a chance on Wacha and hope he gives you 30 starts like Jordan Lyles did last season?

If the front office could front load a deal and offer Wacha a couple million less to play it safe and get him at around two years, $25 million with a team option for year two, then yes, they should pull the trigger. But with the current asking price of $30 million, they should consider walking away.

FINAL VERDICT: NO DEAL

What do you think the O’s should do when it comes to Michael Wacha? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!

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