The Baltimore Orioles are a busy team this offseason. They've brought in Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley, and Zach Eflin.
But, while the Orioles have already spent a lot in free agency and the trade market, they shouldn't be done adding to their roster just yet. There's a clear hole to fill.
Jared Greenspan and Theo DeRosa of MLB.com linked the Orioles to a top starting pitcher upgrade, and specifically, tabbed them as fits for Philadelphia Phillies lefty Ranger Suarez and Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez.
Orioles linked to ex-Phillies, Astros lefty aces
"Even still, Baltimore could really use an elite arm to pair with 2025 breakout star Trevor Rogers and right-hander Kyle Bradish at the front of the rotation." DeRosa and Greenspan write. "The O's have been in the market for top free-agent starters such as Valdez and Suarez, either of whom would turn the rotation from a relative question mark to an unquestioned strength."
While Mike Elias and company don't need to add another starting pitcher, doing so would be a great way to turn the current Orioles from a postseason contender into a very real World Series contender.
Baltimore has the lineup to go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the American League, and adding another frontline starter in either Suarez or Valdez would have the O's as one of the teams to beat in 2026.
More: Orioles 'perfect' free agent match is a 3.66 ERA lefty ace from AL West
Based on the reporting so far, the Orioles have been one of the teams most strongly linked to the top free agent starters. While their addition of Baz might've taken them out of the market, they shouldn't shut the door to a potential addition.
Especially with the lackluster free agent markets so far, the Orioles might be able to sign one of Valdez or Suarez on a much more reasonable deal than the one the Toronto Blue Jays handed to Dylan Cease at the start of the winter.
The Orioles should be active in the starting pitching market, just as DeRosa and Greenspan write. Adding one of those starters, or a different frontline option, would be an ideal way for Baltimore to become a very serious contender in 2026.
More Orioles News:
- Who is Craig Albernaz? Meet the new Orioles skipper who spent the 2025 season with Guardians
- Orioles get lackluster grade for $28 million Ryan Helsley signing
- Orioles' next roster move after Ryan Helsley $28 million deal is clear
- Orioles sign former Mets, Cardinals All-Star closer to two-year deal
- Orioles' best trade candidate might be a tough sell after a.653 OPS 2025