REPORT: Baltimore Orioles made moves this offseason, but did they really do enough? 👀 Adding names like Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt looked solid on paper, yet early signs suggest deeper issues still weren’t addressed. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of true top-end impact are already raising concerns about whether this team actually improved where it mattered most. So now the question is getting louder: did the Orioles build a contender… or just patch the cracks?

The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2026 MLB season with high expectations after an active offseason, but early analysis suggests the team may have fallen short in one critical area: acquiring a true ace pitcher.

Despite headline moves like signing Pete Alonso and adding arms such as Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt, some analysts believe Baltimore didn’t go far enough to address its biggest weakness—top-tier starting pitching.

Orioles Offseason Moves: Big Bat, But Questions on the Mound

Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Orioles made several notable roster upgrades. The biggest splash came with the addition of Pete Alonso, one of baseball’s premier power hitters.

Alonso brings:

40+ home run potential annually
Veteran leadership in the clubhouse
A proven track record as an All-Star performer

His presence immediately strengthens Baltimore’s lineup and adds much-needed offensive firepower.

However, while the offense improved significantly, the same level of impact may not have been achieved on the pitching side.

Starting Rotation Still Lacks a True Ace

According to analyst Zachary Rotman of FanSided, the Orioles’ biggest offseason misstep was their failure to land a frontline starter.

Rotman noted that while Baltimore did address pitching needs, the moves lacked the aggressiveness required to compete in a tough AL East division.

At present, Trevor Rogers is viewed as the team’s top starter. While he showed strong form toward the end of last season, concerns remain:

Injury history raises durability questions
Limited track record as a long-term ace

Additionally, Kyle Bradish also carries injury concerns, further complicating the rotation outlook.

Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt: Solid, But Not Elite

The acquisitions of Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt were seen as positive steps, but neither pitcher fits the mold of a true No. 1 starter.

Shane Baz: High upside but still developing consistency
Chris Bassitt: Reliable veteran, but more of a mid-rotation arm

While both can contribute meaningful innings, they may not be enough to anchor a rotation in a division loaded with elite pitching talent.

Missed Opportunities in the Pitching Market?

Critics argue that the Orioles had opportunities to pursue higher-end pitching talent but failed to capitalize.

Some of the notable names linked to potential moves include:

Framber Valdez – eventually signed with the Detroit Tigers
Dylan Cease – a proven frontline starter
Freddy Peralta – a strong trade candidate

Landing any of these pitchers would have significantly elevated Baltimore’s rotation and overall competitiveness.

However, acquiring elite pitching is rarely straightforward. Financial demands, trade costs, and market competition often complicate deals. It’s possible the Orioles were unwilling—or unable—to meet the price required.

AL East Competition Raises the Stakes

The American League East remains one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, making pitching depth even more critical.

Without a clear ace, the Orioles may struggle to:

Match up against elite opposing rotations
Sustain success over a full 162-game season
Compete deep into the postseason

In a division where pitching often determines playoff positioning, this gap could prove costly.

Can the Orioles Still Fix the Rotation?

The good news for Baltimore is that the season is far from over, and there is still time to address roster weaknesses.

The MLB trade deadline offers a key opportunity for the Orioles to:

Acquire a frontline starter
Add depth to the rotation
Strengthen their postseason outlook

If the team remains competitive heading into midseason, they could become aggressive buyers in the trade market.

Final Takeaway: Strong Offense, Unfinished Pitching Puzzle

The Baltimore Orioles made meaningful improvements this offseason, particularly with the addition of Pete Alonso. However, questions about the starting rotation remain unresolved.

While Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt provide stability, the absence of a true ace could limit the team’s ceiling in 2026.

Ultimately, the Orioles’ success this season may hinge on whether they can address that gap—either through internal development or a midseason move.

For now, the verdict from analysts is clear: Baltimore improved, but perhaps not enough to fully contend.