As free agency kicks off, the Baltimore Orioles are poised to dive into the open market with purpose.
Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias has owner David Rubenstein’s full support to maneuver this offseason boldly. It’s yet to be seen if this means opening the checkbook for some high-profile acquisitions, but Orioles fans can rest assured the team is ready to make significant moves.
With free agency in full swing and the winter meetings still a month away, here’s a closer look at some free agents that align with the Orioles’ needs:
Starting Pitchers
Corbin Burnes (7 years, $200 million projected): Burnes, at the age of 30, stands as one of baseball’s premier aces and top free agents. While a reunion is uncertain, his superb 2024 season showcased a harmonious fit with the Orioles’ dynamic.
Blake Snell (5 years, $160 million projected): If Burnes is out of reach, Snell represents another top-tier option. A two-time Cy Young winner, Snell, 31, forecasts a slightly shorter but highly impactful contract.
Max Fried (6 years, $156 million projected): Known for his impressive consistency, Fried, 30, offers stellar value. His career 3.07 ERA, recorded with the Atlanta Braves, might come at a more budget-friendly rate than Burnes or Snell.
Sean Manaea (3 years, $60 million projected): As a solid No. 3 starter, Manaea, 32, delivers reliability, coming off a career-highlight season with a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA with the New York Mets.
Yusei Kikuchi (3 years, $60 million projected): While known for challenges against the Orioles, Kikuchi, 33, posted a career-best 4.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2024, making him a serviceable option.
Nathan Eovaldi (2 years, $44 million projected): Eovaldi, 34, could be the right-handed balance in the rotation, with a track record as an exceptional postseason performer.
Andrew Heaney (2 years, $24 million projected): Seeking back-end rotation strength, Heaney, 33, could fill the need for a dependable lefty at Camden Yards.
Jose Quintana (2 years, $20 million projected): Despite a diminutive strikeout rate, Quintana still achieved a 3.75 ERA, proving he can deliver stability in the rotation.
Matthew Boyd (2 years, $25 million projected): Coming back strong from Tommy John surgery, Boyd, 33, recorded a solid 2.72 ERA over eight starts, offering potential as a comeback story.
Veteran Options: Justin Verlander and Shane Bieber, both on one-year contracts, could bring experienced arms to the table while providing flexibility for a prove-it approach.
Catchers
James McCann: McCann has proven reliable as Adley Rutschman’s backup, potentially paving the way for prospect Samuel Basallo in 2026.
Carson Kelly and Travis d’Arnaud: Both offer right-handed depth with strong splits against lefties and solid defensive skills, suiting the Orioles’ strategic needs behind the plate.
Right-handed Bats
Anthony Santander (4 years, $80 million projected): It’s tough to picture Baltimore’s lineup minus Santander’s switch-hitting power. His return could be vital for maintaining offensive continuity.
Tyler O’Neill (3 years, $42 million projected): In case Santander moves on, O’Neill, 29, represents a potential high-ceiling alternative, with past 30-homer seasons and stellar fielding credentials.
Harrison Bader (1 year, $8 million projected): Facing left-handed pitching, Bader offers solid platoon options and defensive prowess in the outfield.
Randal Grichuk and Mark Canha: Both veterans present appealing platoon opportunities, with recent performance indicating they can still deliver at the plate.
Paul Goldschmidt (1 year, $15 million projected): As a future Hall of Famer, Goldschmidt’s addition could hinge on other lineup changes but offers a storied resume worth considering.
Relief Pitchers
Clay Holmes (3 years, $30 million projected): With a mix of closing and setup experience, Holmes stands out amongst top relief options, bringing reliability in high-stakes moments.
Paul Sewald and José Leclerc: Both offer middle-tier value, hoping to rebound from off-seasons, with Sewald having displayed elite closing skills previously.
Yimi García and Kendall Graveman: Offering consistent relief performances, their inclusion could bolster a bullpen seeking depth and experience.
As the Orioles explore these options, they’ll look to fortify a roster that can contend in a competitive AL landscape. With strategic moves in pitching and position player acquisition, this offseason could be a game-changer for Baltimore. For fans, that means the excitement is just beginning.
