Cole Irvin has Given O’s his Best, but a Change is Needed
Cole Irvin‘s tenure as a dependable starter for the Orioles has hit a rocky patch, and it’s time to reevaluate his role. Despite some bright spots, his performance has been too inconsistent. After another rough outing, it’s clear the Orioles need to explore new options to stabilize their rotation.
The Highs and Lows of Irvin’s Season
Irvin’s 2023 MLB season has been a rollercoaster, starting with a series of unfortunate performances. In his initial three starts, he surrendered 11 earned runs on 20 hits across 14.2 innings, leaving fans and analysts questioning his viability in the rotation. But just when the Orioles needed stability, Irvin stepped up. From April 21 to June 7, he defied expectations, delivering 48 innings of top-notch pitching, allowing just nine earned runs. During this period, his ERA stood at an impressive 1.69, supported by a FIP of 3.41. Opponents found it tough to get on base, OPS-ing only .615 against him.
However, things took a turn for the worse in June. Despite maintaining a steady walk rate, Irvin’s strikeout rate plummeted, and his pitches became far more hittable. The hard-hit rate spiked to 47%, and home runs came in clusters. His ERA inflated to 4.13 by the end of the month, a stark contrast to the 2.87 ERA he had in mid-June. Unfortunately, Irvin’s repertoire lacks a standout pitch, making it difficult for him to sustain success deep into games. With hitters compiling a .936 OPS against him after multiple at-bats in a single game, Irvin’s role with the Orioles faces serious scrutiny.
Immediate Alternatives and Solutions
The 2024 Orioles weren’t counting on Cole Irvin to be a permanent fixture in their starting rotation. Initially, Irvin was penciled in as a reliable long-man or swingman, someone who could eat innings, make occasional spot starts, and keep blowouts from escalating. This approach paid dividends in the latter half of 2023 when he posted a respectable 3.40 ERA over 39.2 innings.
However, a spate of injuries to other starters necessitated Irvin’s extended run in the rotation. While his performance has been serviceable—essentially replacement level—it’s not the standard of a team eyeing a World Series title. Nonetheless, pitchers with Irvin’s ability to consistently give the team innings don’t come easily.
Reflecting on the Orioles’ 2019-2021 squads, where finding a dependable arm was a struggle, Irvin would have been a standout at that time. The team’s needs have evolved, but Irvin’s role in bridging the gap has been vital.
The Path Forward: Trading for a Solid Arm
With Dean Kremer close to returning from the IL, the Orioles have some immediate alternatives to fill gaps in their rotation. Kremer’s recent Triple-A outing wasn’t stellar, but he’s been a dependable back-end starter for years, and that should continue once he returns.
The upcoming All-Star break and a flexible bullpen featuring optionable arms like Matt Krook and Bryan Baker give the team wiggle room for aggressive pitching moves. Irvin, while still valuable, shouldn’t be overexposed by facing lineups multiple times.
This stopgap approach will suffice for now, but the Orioles must seek a more permanent solution by the trade deadline. Checking todays baseball odds could provide insights into how these changes might affect the team’s chances. Bringing in a solid arm can stabilize the rotation and bolster their postseason aspirations.
