Orioles Urged to Pivot to Ranger Suárez After Cubs Land Edward Cabrera

The Chicago Cubs’ recent trade for Edward Cabrera has sent ripple effects across the MLB pitching market, and one team that now finds itself at a crossroads is the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore had been monitoring the starting pitching landscape closely, hoping to add another reliable arm to support Trevor Rogers near the top of the rotation. With Cabrera now off the board, the Orioles must shift their focus elsewhere.

According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, the answer may be clear: Ranger Suárez. The All-Star left-hander is widely regarded as one of the most dependable frontline starters available this offseason, and his profile aligns almost perfectly with Baltimore’s current needs.

If the Orioles are serious about turning sustained regular-season success into deep postseason runs, pursuing Suárez could be the move that elevates them into true American League contenders.

Why Baltimore Still Needs Another Front-End Starter

The Orioles have made notable progress in strengthening their pitching staff, but questions remain at the very top of the rotation. While Trevor Rogers projects as a strong No. 2 starter, relying on him as the lone high-end option would be risky over a 162-game season—especially in an increasingly competitive AL East.

Baltimore has already taken meaningful steps. The team acquired Shane Baz via trade and re-signed Zach Eflin, adding depth and stability to the rotation. However, as Kline points out, depth alone does not equal dominance.

“This pitching staff still needs a bit more firepower up top,” Kline wrote. “Ranger Suárez is an All-Star at the peak of his powers, or at least close to it.”

For a young roster loaded with offensive talent, adding a proven ace could be the missing ingredient.

Ranger Suárez: A Proven All-Star With Playoff Pedigree

Ranger Suárez has quietly established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable starters. While he may not generate the same headlines as some power pitchers, his results speak volumes.

During the most recent season, Suárez posted:

• 12–8 record

• 3.20 ERA

• 151 strikeouts

• 1.220 WHIP

• 157 innings pitched

These numbers highlight the complete package. Suárez eats innings, limits baserunners, and consistently keeps his team in games. For an Orioles rotation that has sometimes struggled with durability and late-season fatigue, that reliability is invaluable.

Even more important is Suárez’s postseason experience. He has pitched effectively under October pressure, a trait that cannot be overstated for a young Baltimore clubhouse still gaining playoff seasoning.

How Suárez Fits Perfectly With Trevor Rogers

From a roster construction standpoint, pairing Ranger Suárez with Trevor Rogers makes strategic sense. Rogers brings swing-and-miss stuff and upside, while Suárez offers calm efficiency, command, and consistency.

Together, they would give Baltimore:

• A left-handed 1–2 punch at the top of the rotation

• Contrasting pitching styles that challenge opposing lineups

• Improved matchups in playoff series

• A stabilizing veteran presence for younger pitchers

This type of balance is often what separates good rotations from championship-caliber ones.

Contract Projection and Orioles’ Willingness to Spend

Suárez is projected to command a six-year, $161 million contract, a significant investment but one that aligns with the current pitching market. For the Orioles, this price tag may be entirely reasonable.

Baltimore has already demonstrated a willingness to spend aggressively this offseason, most notably by signing Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal. That move sent a clear message to the league: the Orioles are no longer content with incremental improvement.

Adding Suárez would further reinforce that message and signal a commitment to building a sustainable contender rather than relying solely on internal development.

The Competitive Landscape in the American League

The American League is stacked with elite teams boasting frontline pitching. From Houston to New York to Seattle, rotations across the league are built around dominant aces who can neutralize top offenses in October.

If Baltimore wants to keep pace, standing pat is not an option.

Signing Ranger Suárez would:

• Reduce pressure on younger starters

• Improve postseason matchup equity

• Increase win probability in close games

• Solidify Baltimore as a legitimate AL threat

In short, it would help close the gap between being a playoff team and being a championship contender.

Why Waiting Could Be Costly for Baltimore

The free-agent pitching market moves quickly, and teams in need of frontline starters rarely hesitate when the right opportunity presents itself. If the Orioles delay, Suárez could easily find a home elsewhere—leaving Baltimore to settle for secondary options.

Given the Cubs’ move for Edward Cabrera, competition for remaining high-end arms will only intensify. For a franchise in the middle of a competitive window, hesitation could be more damaging than overcommitment.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Move for the Orioles’ Contention Window

The Baltimore Orioles are at a pivotal moment. Their roster is young, talented, and increasingly expensive. The window to contend is open—but it will not stay that way forever.

Signing Ranger Suárez would not be a flashy gamble. Instead, it would be a calculated investment in stability, experience, and postseason readiness. His durability, poise, and consistent production make him an ideal anchor for a rotation looking to take the next step.

If Baltimore truly wants to transform promise into sustained dominance, this is the kind of move that does it.

And if they land Suárez, the rest of the American League should take notice—the Orioles would quickly become a force to be reckoned with.