Pitching has been at the forefront of the early rumors surrounding the Baltimore Orioles’ offseason, and it’s not exactly revealing any earth-shattering news. The Orioles had a need for pitching entering the season, and it seemed that Mike Elias’ front office thought some form of magic would happen if they sat around and did nothing. That won’t be the only need for the Orioles, as they likely will look to replace some of the offense they moved at the trade deadline last season.

2025 was a disappointing season, so there was no surprise felt when the Orioles shipped Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramon Laureano away last July. However, 2026 isn’t a season where the Orioles will be playing out the string of games left in a meaningless season. The stated expectation is that the team will return to contention, and replacing some of that offense needs to be on the agenda this winter.

It does seem like the Orioles are aware of that, with MASN’s Roch Kubatko reporting that the front office is searching for an impact hitter this offseason. Looking at the Orioles’ roster construction, it seems clear that the preference is for the impact hitter to be someone who can be the team’s primary center fielder, but targeting a first baseman may not be ruled out either.

New Orioles rumor reveals a sneaky position to watch this offseason

Colton Cowser’s 2025 season was a disappointing development for the Orioles, as there was a clear regression from where he ended the 2024 season. And it would seem that the team doesn’t want to hand him the center field job in 2026.

It’s not the strongest of free-agent markets for center fielders, as even the top option, Cody Bellinger, does come with a red flag. Looking beyond the fact that Bellinger will be looking for the lucrative long-term contract that alluded him the last time he was a free agent, there overwhelming belief that his 2025 numbers were lifted because his swing is designed for the short porch at Yankee Stadium.

Taking a gamble on Bellinger’s teammate with the Yankees, Trent Grisham, could be financially closer to what the Orioles would be willing to do, but there is a chance he may have a qualifying offer attached to his profile this offseason.

As was the case with their need for pitching last offseason, the need for a bat can’t be ignored this winter. Especially if Elias wants to prove worthy of the promotion he got last season.