The Baltimore Orioles are a young team that has a lot of intriguing pieces on both the pitching staff and in the field. But, while their players are young and intriguing, they're still in search of a difference maker in the outfield.
Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday in the infield are two incredible options for the next few years, but the Orioles are still in need of a bigger presence in the outfield.
Fortunately, that's an area that the Orioles are reportedly trying to resolve this offseason. According to Roch Kubatko of masnports.com, the Orioles are eyeing an "impact bat" this winter, and in all likelihood, that player would come in the outfield.
Orioles looking to add an impact bat in the offseason
"The front office is searching for an impact hitter, and the outfield is the likely spot." Kubatko writes. "The Orioles are set behind the plate, and the infield is well stocked unless a trade happens."
Other than Holliday at second base and Henderson at shortstop, Jordan Westburg has third base locked down, Coby Mayo has first base secure, and Adley Rustchman and Samuel Basallo are one of the best catcher tandems in the Majors.
But in the outfield, there are still some questions left. Colton Cowser is likely to play a prominent role in 2026, but the corner outfield spots are still major unknowns.
Adding an impact bat in the offseason to pair with this offense could help turn the Orioles from a fringe playoff contender to a potential World Series contender.
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Kyle Tucker, while likely to receive a contract well north of $400 million, would be a great option for the Orioles. The only question, and it's a big one, is whether ownership would be willing to break the bank for Tucker.
If the Orioles don't land Tucker, they could turn to Trent Grisham or Cody Bellinger from the New York Yankees as top free agent targets. Grisham, Bellinger, and Tucker are the top free agents for the Orioles to target, each being a major improvement to the outfield.
Adding an impact bat won't be easy, especially if the Orioles are limited by any payroll restrictions. But, if they can go after one of the top options, adding an elite outfield bat could be the spark the team needs to get back to the playoffs after their disappointing 2024 playoff exit.
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