Orioles expected to have aggressive offseason thanks to Mike Elias

News Correspondent
Orioles expected to have aggressive offseason thanks to Mike Elias image

The Baltimore Orioles are coming off a massive disappointment in 2025. After being viewed as playoff contenders, the Orioles started the year off poorly and made a big change by firing their manager and trading away some players by the deadline.

For 2026 and beyond, the Orioles have very little room to settle. They need to make some moves to improve the team, and Mike Elias knows it.

As Bob Nightengale of USA Today writes, the Orioles are expected to be among the most aggressive teams in the offseason, thanks in part to Elias needing to secure his job stability.

Orioles expected to be aggressive thanks to Mike Elias

"They can't afford to miss the postseason again, or GM Mike Elias' job is on the line." Nightengale writes. "They have to bring in a front-line starter."

Baltimore has multiple key contributors on offense, with Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Adley Rutschman being the big names to carry the offense.

Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, and Samuel Basallo all contribute as well, but there's still room for improvement, especially in the outfield.

More: Former MLB GM links Orioles to three-time NPB All-Star pitcher

The Orioles could use some outfield help, but they more desperately need starting pitching. Trevor Rogers was great, with a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts. But the rest of the rotation needs a lot of work.

Corbin Burnes departed after 2024, and the Orioles never filled that huge hole he left behind. Adding multiple starters and potentially some bullpen arms should be Elias' priority this winter.

And according to Nightengale, the Orioles GM is likely to act aggressively, since his job is potentially on the line. Whether it's starting pitching, bullpen help, or an outfielder, Nightengale expects the Orioles to be aggressive this winter.

More Orioles News:

Contributing Writer