Baltimore Orioles Still Hunting for a Frontline Starter as 2026 Playoff Push Takes Shape

The Baltimore Orioles are determined to ensure that the frustrations of the 2025 season do not carry over into 2026.

After entering last year with postseason expectations, Baltimore never found consistent footing. Several highly regarded prospects underperformed, and more critically, the starting pitching rotation failed to provide stability. The result was a season-long struggle that forced the front office to reassess its priorities.

That reassessment has already led to action — and possibly more on the way.

Orioles Address Rotation with Shane Baz Trade — But It May Not Be Enough

One of the Orioles’ primary offseason objectives was improving their starting pitching, and they made an early statement by acquiring Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 26-year-old right-hander came at a significant cost — four prospects — but Baltimore clearly views him as a foundational piece moving forward.

Baz brings upside, youth, and postseason-caliber stuff when healthy, qualities the Orioles’ rotation lacked throughout much of 2025. Still, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Orioles believe their work is not finished.

Baltimore may be stronger on paper, but “adequate” isn’t the standard they’re aiming for.

Orioles See Current Rotation as “Adequate,” Not Championship-Caliber

Speaking on the Orioles’ pitching situation, Rosenthal revealed that the organization internally views its rotation as serviceable — but not dominant.

“They view their rotation as ‘adequate’. Well, ‘adequate’ is not necessarily where they want to be,” Rosenthal said. “They’re in a good spot right now, a much better spot than they were.”

As currently constructed, Baltimore’s projected rotation includes:

• Trevor Rogers

• Kyle Bradish

• Shane Baz

• Zach Eflin

• Dean Kremer

While that group offers depth and variety, it lacks a clear, proven ace — the type of arm capable of controlling a postseason series. That’s the missing piece Baltimore appears determined to add.

“They need one more [pitcher] to fit toward the top of their rotation,” Rosenthal added.

Orioles Have Options in a Crowded Starting Pitcher Market

One major advantage working in Baltimore’s favor is flexibility.

Despite already committing significant resources to their offense — most notably the high-profile signing of Pete Alonso — the Orioles still possess one of the deeper farm systems in baseball. That gives them leverage in both free agency and the trade market.

Free-Agent Targets Still Available

According to Rosenthal, several frontline-caliber starters remain unsigned, including:

• Ranger Suárez (Philadelphia Phillies)

• Framber Valdez (Houston Astros)

Both left-handers would immediately elevate Baltimore’s rotation, but questions remain about how much payroll room the Orioles have after their aggressive winter spending.

Trade Market Could Mirror Past Success

If free agency proves too expensive, Baltimore could again turn to the trade market — a strategy that paid dividends previously with the acquisition of Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rosenthal identified several intriguing trade candidates:

• Freddy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers)

• Edward Cabrera (Miami Marlins)

• MacKenzie Gore (Washington Nationals)

Each pitcher brings a different risk-reward profile, but all represent a significant upgrade over the Orioles’ current back-end rotation options.

Why One More Starter Could Change Everything for Baltimore

The Orioles’ offensive core is already built to contend.

With Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, and Pete Alonso anchoring the lineup, Baltimore no longer needs to manufacture runs — they can overwhelm opponents. What they need is pitching that prevents games from getting away early.

Adding a true top-of-the-rotation starter would:

• Reduce pressure on younger arms

• Improve bullpen usage

• Provide postseason stability

• Signal full commitment to contention

In a competitive American League East, marginal upgrades won’t be enough. Baltimore knows that to compete with teams like the Yankees, Rays, and Astros, “adequate” simply won’t cut it.

Final Outlook: Orioles Not Done Making Moves

The Shane Baz trade was a strong start, but all signs point to Baltimore remaining aggressive.

With prospect capital still available and a clear understanding of their shortcomings, the Orioles are positioning themselves for a decisive strike — whether through free agency or another blockbuster trade.

If Baltimore lands one more high-end starter, the narrative surrounding the franchise could shift dramatically in 2026 — from rebound candidate to legitimate World Series contender.

And based on Ken Rosenthal’s reporting, it appears that move may only be a matter of time.