Orioles’ Relentless Offseason Push Continues as Baltimore Adds Depth and Eyes Bigger Moves

The Baltimore Orioles are not simply active this offseason—they are operating with urgency, intention, and a clear understanding of where their roster still needs to grow. If the early months of the winter are any indication, Baltimore’s front office is far from finished reshaping a team that already sits firmly in the American League contender tier.

Under the leadership of president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Elias, the Orioles are blending headline-grabbing moves with quieter, strategic additions that reflect a front office focused on sustainability as much as star power. While the blockbuster acquisition of Pete Alonso has dominated national headlines, it’s the steady accumulation of depth pieces that reveals just how methodical—and relentless—this offseason has been.

The latest example came with the signing of left-handed pitcher Eric Torres to a minor league deal, assigning him to Triple-A Norfolk. It may not be the splash fans are clamoring for, but in today’s game, these are the moves that often determine whether a contender survives the grind of a 162-game season.

Eric Torres: A Low-Risk, High-Upside Depth Play

At first glance, Torres doesn’t fit the profile of an offseason prize. He’s not a top prospect, and he’s not a proven big-league reliever. But for a team like Baltimore, his recent trajectory makes him exactly the kind of pitcher worth betting on.

Torres, 26, was selected in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels out of Kansas State. His 2024 season was split between extremes. At Double-A, he was dominant, posting a 2.31 ERA while striking out 55 batters in just 35 innings. His fastball played up, his secondary pitches missed bats, and his confidence was evident.

That momentum stalled during a brief stint at Triple-A, where command issues surfaced. Torres allowed seven runs and walked 11 batters in just over seven innings, numbers that ultimately led to his release.

Rather than fading away, Torres took a detour that changed everything.

Reinventing Himself Outside the System

Torres resurfaced in independent ball, where he quickly reestablished his value. Over 39 appearances, he posted a 1.59 ERA, recorded 16 saves, and looked every bit like a late-inning weapon.

That success earned him a spot in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he elevated his game even further. Across 23 1/3 innings, Torres did not allow a single run, surrendered just six hits, and struck out 39 batters. That kind of dominance—against professional competition—doesn’t go unnoticed.

For the Orioles, it was more than enough to warrant another look.

Why Torres Makes Sense for Baltimore

The Orioles currently have only three left-handed relievers—Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, and Grant Wolfram—on their 40-man roster. In a league where matchups matter and bullpen attrition is inevitable, adding a live left-handed arm to the system is a calculated and necessary move.

Torres isn’t being asked to anchor the bullpen. Instead, he provides:

• Depth at Triple-A

• A potential matchup option

• An emergency call-up if injuries strike

These are the kinds of arms that quietly contribute to winning seasons, even if they never make headlines.

The Bigger Picture: Rotation Still the Priority

While depth moves continue, the Orioles’ biggest offseason objective remains unresolved: adding a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Baltimore enters the winter with Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers penciled in as the front-end duo, and the recent signing of Zach Eflin brought needed stability. Still, Elias has made it clear—both through actions and industry chatter—that the Orioles are not done shopping at the top of the pitching market.

The team has already demonstrated a willingness to swing big with the Alonso trade, and that same aggressiveness applies to the rotation.

Trade Targets and a Willingness to Deal

Names like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez have circulated in connection with Baltimore, and the Orioles’ recent trade for Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays further reinforces that they are not afraid to negotiate within the division—or pull off bold moves.

Baltimore’s farm system remains one of the deepest in baseball, giving Elias the flexibility to pursue another impact arm without gutting the future. Whether that addition comes via trade or a surprise free-agent signing, the message is clear: the Orioles are not satisfied standing pat.

They want another difference-maker at the top of the rotation.

Bullpen: Strong Foundation, Room for More Bite

The bullpen, while solid, could still use reinforcement. Ryan Helsley is entrenched as the closer, and Andrew Kittredge is expected to be a primary setup option. That pairing gives Baltimore a reliable late-game backbone.

However, the bridge to the ninth inning isn’t fully settled.

• Albert Suárez has joined the mix on a minor league deal

• Tyler Wells could transition back into a bullpen role, offering length and versatility

Even so, an additional high-leverage reliever would significantly strengthen Baltimore’s postseason outlook. Elias has proven willing to be patient—but also decisive—when the right opportunity presents itself.

Position Players: Alonso Headlines, Depth Fills the Margins

On the offensive side, the Alonso acquisition may ultimately stand as Baltimore’s boldest move of the winter. It reshaped the lineup and immediately elevated the team’s power profile.

Other additions, like Jhonkensy Noel, are more about upside and roster flexibility than guaranteed production.

Noel, who turns 25 in July, has shown impressive raw power but struggled with consistency at the major league level. Across 136 MLB games, he owns a .193/.242/.401 slash line. The tools are evident, but the results have been uneven.

A Make-or-Break Spring for Jhonkensy Noel

Noel enters camp out of minor league options, making this spring especially critical. His versatility—capable of playing corner outfield and first base—works in his favor, as does a familiarity with new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, who coached Noel during their time with the Guardians organization.

Still, the path to an Opening Day roster spot is narrow.

Unless Elias clears space with another move, Noel will need a strong spring to force the issue. If not, he could find himself exposed to waivers once again—a reminder that roster churn is part of the business.

A Front Office That Isn’t Done Yet

Every move Baltimore has made this offseason points to a front office operating with clarity and ambition. From superstar acquisitions to minor league depth signings, the Orioles are addressing weaknesses at every level of the roster.

They aren’t chasing headlines.
They’re chasing completeness.

With spring training approaching, don’t expect the activity to slow down. Whether it’s another blockbuster trade, a rotation upgrade, or bullpen reinforcement, Mike Elias and the Orioles are sending a message to the rest of the league:

This team is built to win—and it’s still under construction.