We’re Inch Closer to Spring Training — But the Orioles Still Aren’t Done Yet

As the calendar flips deeper into January, one truth is becoming impossible to ignore: spring training is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers will soon be reporting to Sarasota, optimism will be reborn across Birdland, and the Baltimore Orioles will officially begin their 2026 quest to prove that last season’s disappointment was only a temporary detour.

And yet, despite an offseason that has already exceeded expectations, there’s a lingering feeling among Orioles fans — a sense that one more move is still missing.

If you’re back at work this week for the first time since before Christmas, you’re not alone. The post-holiday reset is brutal. The emails pile up, the motivation lags, and the reality of routine sets in fast. You know what would cure those back-to-work blues instantly?

Another Orioles pitching signing.

No, that’s not greed. That’s realism.

The Orioles Have Been Aggressive — And That’s Exactly Why They Can’t Stop Now

For years, Baltimore fans were conditioned to expect caution, restraint, and patience from the front office. Mike Elias was methodical. Calculated. Conservative to a fault.

That version of the Orioles no longer exists.

This offseason alone, Baltimore has added impact talent across nearly every area of the roster — strengthening the lineup, shoring up the bullpen, and taking real swings to change the trajectory of the franchise after the frustrating end to the 2025 season.

But here’s the thing about the American League East:
standing still is the same as falling behind.

While the Orioles were quiet over the weekend, the rest of the division certainly wasn’t.

Blue Jays Strike Again, Raising the Stakes in the AL East

The defending American League champions, the Toronto Blue Jays, made another statement by signing Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract.

Okamoto slots in as Toronto’s new everyday third baseman — a clear upgrade over the 2024 platoon of Addison Barger and Ernie Clement. While Clement provided elite defense, neither option offered consistent offensive impact. Okamoto brings legitimate power to the position, even if his transition to MLB pitching remains an open question.

And he’s far from Toronto’s only move.

The Blue Jays have already added Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers to their pitching staff, while rumors continue to swirl around potential pursuits of Kyle Tucker and a reunion with Bo Bichette.

That’s not offseason tinkering. That’s a team acting like it expects to win again.

The AL East Is Still Baseball’s Toughest Neighborhood

Three of the six American League playoff teams came from the AL East last season. There’s no rebuilding phase here. No grace period. Every night is a fight.

The Yankees will always be dangerous.
The Rays never disappear.
The Blue Jays are doubling down on contention.

Which brings us back to Baltimore.

The Orioles cannot assume that last year’s additions alone will be enough. Not if they want to move from “playoff hopeful” to legitimate October threat.

That’s why adding another pitcher isn’t optional — it’s necessary.

Why the Orioles Still Need Another Pitcher

Baltimore has already made progress in reshaping its pitching staff, but depth wins over 162 games. It always has.

Injuries happen. Regression happens. Young arms get tired. Veterans fade.

The Orioles don’t need just innings — they need stability, flexibility, and insurance.

Another mid-to-top rotation arm would:

• Reduce pressure on younger starters

• Improve matchup options in critical series

• Protect the bullpen from overuse

• Provide margin for error in a division that punishes mistakes

In a division this unforgiving, one additional quality pitcher could be the difference between hosting a playoff series and watching October from the couch.

Prospects, Pitch Development, and the Shane Baz Question

One internal storyline worth watching closely is Shane Baz, who spoke with media recently about his struggles locating his slider during the 2025 season.

Baz remains an intriguing piece — the talent is obvious — but the Orioles can’t afford to rely solely on internal fixes. Pitch development is rarely linear, and betting everything on bounce-backs is risky business.

The same applies to prospects.

According to MASN’s Roch Kubatko, Enrique Bradfield is the only Orioles prospect who could realistically make a major splash in 2025. That’s not an indictment of the farm system — it’s a reminder that prospects are volatile by nature.

Hope is not a strategy.

Depth is.

Why “Not Being Greedy” Matters

Wanting another pitcher doesn’t mean fans are ungrateful. It means they’re paying attention.

The Orioles have positioned themselves to contend — now they need to finish the job.

This isn’t about headline signings or splashy press conferences. It’s about recognizing the reality of the AL East and acting accordingly.

Every marginal upgrade matters. Every inning matters. Every win matters.

Spring training is close. The window is open. The expectations are rising.

Now is not the time to hesitate.

Final Thought: One More Move Could Change Everything

The Orioles have already surprised us this offseason. They’ve been bold. Proactive. Uncharacteristically aggressive.

That’s exactly why fans are asking for more.

Because when you’re this close — when the roster is this promising — one more pitcher might be the difference between “almost” and “enough.”

Spring is coming.

Birdland is ready.

Now let’s see if Mike Elias makes one last move before the games begin.