Baltimore is hoping to add starting pitching this offseason and the club is expected to be interested in a pair of free agent right-handers this winter. According to MASN's Roch Kubatko, Chris Young and Tommy Hunter could emerge as top free agent targets for the Orioles.
Hunter, 29, has been excluded from Chicago's roster in the National League Wild Card Game, Division Series and most recently Championship Series. Over 60.1 innings this season, Hunter has pitched to a 4.18 ERA and 3.83 FIP. He went 2-0 with a 5.74 ERA over 15.2 innings with the Cubs.
Although Hunter did not issue a walk at Wrigley Field, he pitched to a 5.56 ERA over 11.1 innings and allowed four home runs while pitching at home for the Cubs. Before being sent to Chicago, Hunter pitched to a 3.63 ERA over 44.2 innings with the Orioles.
Hunter made $4.65 million in 2015 but might request a large contract this off-season. Kubatko notes he has expressed interest in returning to Baltimore, however the Orioles are unlikely to be open to significantly investing in a pitcher that does not serve as a setup man or closer.
If the Orioles are unable to re-sign Darren O'Day, Mychal Givens could emerge as the club's setup man. However, he has only appeared in 22 games above Double-A and might not thrive in such a role.
While the Orioles are considering Hunter, the organization can consider adding Young to its rotation in 2016. Young, 36, pitched to a 3.06 ERA and 4.52 FIP over 123.1 innings with Kansas City in 2015.
Young made 18 starts and appeared in 34 contests and has been a consistent member of the Royals' pitching staff. He has also pitched in the playoffs a pair of times in his career, allowing one run over 10.2 innings.
Baltimore will likely consider several of the big name free agent pitchers available. But Young and Hunter could be names to watch.