Orioles Appear Poised for One Final Splash as Offseason Nears Its End

The Baltimore Orioles have been anything but quiet this offseason. After a brutal 2025 campaign that ended with the club buried at the bottom of the American League East, Baltimore responded aggressively — and deliberately.

The additions of Pete Alonso, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley have dramatically reshaped the roster and injected optimism back into a fan base that endured one of the franchise’s most disappointing seasons in recent memory. On paper, the Orioles look far more competitive heading into 2026 than they did a year ago.

And yet, there’s still a lingering sense that the job isn’t quite finished.

If Baltimore truly intends to push the Toronto Blue Jays — and by extension the rest of the AL East — there’s one final piece that could elevate this offseason from strong to complete: a frontline starting pitcher.

Rotation Is Improved — But Not Finished

The Orioles’ rotation is unquestionably better than it was at the end of 2025.

Baz gives Baltimore a controllable, high-upside arm who could grow into a top-of-the-rotation presence if he finds consistency. The return of Zach Eflin brings stability and innings to the back end. Together, they form a solid foundation.

But in a division where rotation depth often determines playoff positioning, “solid” may not be enough.

The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Rays all feature established aces or deep collections of frontline-caliber arms. If Baltimore wants to keep pace — and not simply hang around the Wild Card fringe — it likely needs one more true difference-maker atop the rotation.

That reality hasn’t been lost on the front office.

A Telling Willingness to Lose Draft Capital

A significant clue about Baltimore’s next move came via Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, who reported that the Orioles are prepared to sacrifice additional draft capital if the right opportunity presents itself.

That’s notable.

Several of the top remaining free-agent starters — Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen — rejected qualifying offers from their previous teams. Signing any of them would require Baltimore to forfeit a draft pick.

Under normal circumstances, that might give a team pause.

But the Orioles have already shown they’re willing to pay that price.

They included a Competitive Balance pick in their trade for Shane Baz earlier this offseason, signaling a philosophical shift: winning now matters more than preserving every future asset.

According to Rosenthal and Sammon, Baltimore would be comfortable losing its third-highest selection, likely around No. 85 overall, if it means landing the right pitcher.

That’s a clear green light.

Narrowing the Field: Who Makes Sense?

While all three pitchers — Valdez, Suárez, and Gallen — would represent meaningful upgrades, league context suggests the list may already be shrinking.

Zac Gallen is likely the odd man out.

Coming off a down 2025 season, Gallen’s performance raises questions about consistency and long-term value, particularly when paired with the added cost of losing a draft pick. For a team already betting on upside with Baz, doubling down on risk may not be the preferred route.

That leaves Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez.

Both pitchers bring traits Baltimore covets:

Proven success over multiple seasons

Ability to handle heavy workloads

Experience navigating high-leverage environments

Valdez, a power left-hander, offers ace-level stuff and postseason pedigree. Suárez brings command, efficiency, and consistency — qualities that play extremely well in the AL East.

Either would instantly become Baltimore’s most reliable starter.

Why One More Move Changes Everything

This final decision could define the Orioles’ 2026 season.

With Alonso anchoring the lineup and Helsley fortifying the bullpen, Baltimore has addressed two of the most glaring weaknesses from last year. Adding one more frontline starter would:

Reduce pressure on Baz

Create matchup flexibility in divisional series

Prevent bullpen overuse

Raise the team’s overall floor dramatically

More importantly, it would send a message — not just to fans, but to the rest of the league — that the Orioles are no longer content with incremental progress.

They want relevance. Now.

The Window Is Open — But Timing Matters

Baltimore is approaching the finish line of the offseason, and the path forward is clear. The front office has payroll flexibility. Ownership has shown a willingness to spend. Draft capital is no longer untouchable.

All that remains is execution.

Whether that final move comes in the form of Valdez, Suárez, or another surprise addition, the Orioles appear positioned to strike. And if they do, this offseason will be remembered not as a reaction to failure — but as the turning point that reshaped the franchise.

One more move could be the difference between contention and conversation.

And for the first time in a long time, Baltimore seems ready to choose the former.