Orioles Miss Out on Edward Cabrera as Cubs Strike Deal, Front Office Forced to Pivot in Search for Frontline Starter

The Orioles believe they still have the prospect depth to make another trade for a starting pitcher, says @Ken_Rosenthal. 👀 pic.twitter.com/z30hRmi007

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 6, 2026

Another potential solution has come off the board for the Baltimore Orioles in their ongoing search for an impact starting pitcher.

On Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs finalized a trade with the Miami Marlins for right-hander Edward Cabrera, ending weeks of speculation surrounding one of the most sought-after arms on the trade market. The move immediately reverberated throughout the league, particularly in Baltimore, where the Orioles had been consistently mentioned as one of the most aggressive suitors for the 27-year-old starter.

Unable to land Cabrera, Mike Elias and the Orioles’ front office now face a familiar offseason challenge: pivot quickly, reassess their options, and find the frontline starter they have been openly pursuing since November.

Why Edward Cabrera Was Such a Key Target

Cabrera represented an ideal blend of age, upside, and affordability. At 27, he fits squarely within the Orioles’ competitive window, and his electric stuff—highlighted by a high-velocity fastball and devastating changeup—made him one of the most intriguing trade candidates available.

Multiple reports throughout the winter suggested Baltimore was “deeply involved” in talks with Miami, leveraging its elite farm system as potential trade currency. Ultimately, however, the Cubs were able to finalize a deal that the Marlins preferred, leaving the Orioles empty-handed.

For a team that has been vocal about needing a true top-of-the-rotation arm, Cabrera’s departure underscores the urgency of Baltimore’s situation.

The Orioles’ Current Rotation: Close, But Not Complete

Despite missing out on Cabrera, the Orioles have not been idle.

Baltimore has already:

• Acquired Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays

• Re-signed Zach Eflin to a one-year deal

If the season were to start today, a projected rotation of Trevor Rogers, Tyler Wells, Shane Baz, and Zach Eflin would represent a solid foundation. However, it is also clear that this group lacks a proven ace—the type of pitcher who can anchor a postseason rotation and match up with the best arms in the American League.

While Elias’ past tendencies suggest he could stand pat, all indications this offseason point toward continued aggression. The Orioles believe they are one move away from fielding a truly formidable rotation on Opening Day.

Orioles Still Active on the Trade Market

The question now becomes: where do they turn next?

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, Baltimore’s front office believes they “need one more [pitcher] to fit toward the top of their rotation.”

The Baz trade proved the Orioles are willing to part with real prospect value when the right opportunity arises. With one of baseball’s deepest farm systems, Baltimore still has the ammunition to pursue another major trade—though the cost will not be cheap.

Potential trade targets that have circulated in industry chatter include:

• Freddy Peralta

• MacKenzie Gore

• Kodai Senga

Additionally, if Baltimore made meaningful progress in talks with Miami before Cabrera was dealt, a pivot to Sandy Alcántara—another Marlins ace—cannot be ruled out.

Any of these pitchers would immediately elevate the Orioles’ rotation, but each would require a substantial return. After surrendering four prospects to acquire Baz, the front office must weigh whether another blockbuster trade is prudent—or whether a different route makes more sense.

Free Agency May Be the More Likely Path

Given the escalating trade costs, free agency increasingly appears to be Baltimore’s most realistic avenue for landing its next star pitcher.

From the outset of the offseason, Elias has been transparent about his priorities, repeatedly identifying a frontline starter as his top objective. New owner David Rubenstein has echoed that sentiment, publicly stating that the Orioles have “no particular restraints” when it comes to improving the roster.

That combination has fueled constant rumors linking Baltimore to nearly every top free agent pitcher still available.

Framber Valdez: The Most Natural Fit

The name most frequently associated with the Orioles is Framber Valdez.

The 32-year-old left-hander checks nearly every box:

• Durable (31 starts in three of the last four seasons)

• Proven (career 3.36 ERA)

• Playoff-tested

• Familiar with Elias

Elias served as Houston’s scouting director when Valdez signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2015, a connection that could give Baltimore a meaningful edge in negotiations.

The New York Mets loom as the primary competition, but Baltimore’s rumored willingness to offer a long-term deal—combined with Elias’ history—could ultimately tip the scales.

Ranger Suárez: A Strong Alternative

Another premier option is Ranger Suárez, who, like Valdez, has drawn significant interest from both the Orioles and Mets.

With the Cubs seemingly out of the mix, the market could turn into a direct showdown between Mike Elias and Mets president David Stearns. If one club lands its preferred target, it would not be surprising to see the other pivot quickly to the remaining ace.

Suárez may actually present a compelling value proposition:

• Career ERA of 3.38, nearly identical to Valdez

• Two years younger

• Over 300 fewer MLB innings, potentially reducing long-term risk

Those factors could influence both contract length and overall cost.

Next Tier: Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito

If Baltimore misses out on the top two left-handers, the next tier still offers intriguing options.

Zac Gallen, coming off a difficult 2025 season (career-worst 4.83 ERA), remains an appealing bounce-back candidate. At 30 years old, he owns a career 3.58 ERA across 176 starts and has been one of baseball’s most reliable workhorses when healthy.

A more understated option would be Lucas Giolito, who quietly delivered a strong season with the Red Sox, posting a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts. While Giolito lacks true ace-level stuff, he profiles as a dependable mid-rotation arm—similar to Eflin or Dean Kremer—and could stabilize the staff if Baltimore chooses a more conservative approach.

The Clock Is Ticking for Baltimore

As the Cabrera trade illustrates, the pitching market can shift quickly. One domino often triggers several more, and teams that hesitate risk being left behind.

For the Orioles, the margin for error is shrinking. The roster is ready to compete, the resources are available, and the expectations are rising. What remains is decisive action.

Whether through a bold free-agent signing or another major trade, Baltimore appears committed to adding one final impact arm. The only question is whether they can strike before the next opportunity disappears.

If not, they may once again be left wondering what might have been.

The Orioles are strongly in on Ranger Suárez, says @JimBowdenGM.

"They haven't been able to close the deal, but they kind of feel like they have a chance." pic.twitter.com/82YzStbS9l

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 5, 2026