The Baltimore Orioles are making headlines this offseason, and for good reason. With the exciting additions of stars like Pete Alonso, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley, fans might find it easier to move on from the disappointing 2025 season. However, there's a significant piece missing from the puzzle that could elevate their offseason from impressive to extraordinary: securing a top-tier starting pitcher.
Shane Baz brings a promising future to the Orioles’ rotation, making him a valuable asset. The potential return of Zach Eflin is also expected to bring stability to the latter part of the pitching staff. Yet, if Baltimore aims to compete with powerhouses like the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East, landing another ace before the season kicks off is crucial.
Recently, insider hints suggest that the Orioles may be gearing up for one final major acquisition this offseason. The silver lining is that there are still several attractive options available in the free-agent market to fill this crucial gap. Notable pitchers such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen are still on the board, all of whom are likely to catch the attention of Baltimore's front office.
It's important to note that each of these pitchers has turned down a qualifying offer from their former teams, which means that signing any of them would come at a cost: the loss of a draft pick. The Orioles have demonstrated a willingness to make such sacrifices already this offseason, as evidenced by their trade for Baz, which involved a Competitive Balance pick.
According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon at The Athletic (subscription required), the Orioles are prepared to forfeit another draft pick if it leads to acquiring one of these talented pitchers. If they choose to sign one of the three mentioned, they would lose their third-highest draft selection, likely around the No. 85 spot. This willingness to make a trade-off showcases their commitment to building a stronger roster.
Considering this strategy, it's reasonable to speculate that Gallen might not be their target due to his underwhelming performance last year. Instead, the Orioles could be leaning toward one of the more consistent options in Valdez or Suarez.
As the offseason nears its conclusion, the Orioles seem poised for one final strategic move that could significantly impact their performance in 2026. This decision might very well shape the trajectory of their upcoming season, raising the stakes for fans and analysts alike.
