The Baltimore Orioles are doing what they can to bounce back from a brutal 2025.
Expectations were high before opening day. But by midway through the season, it was clear this was a lost campaign.
The Orioles have attacked the offseason like a team that knows it really has to get better to compete in a strong division, and that's certainly a true sentiment.
The Pete Alonso signing is the headline grabber right now, but there's more to be done.
One move that could be made: Signing Phillies free agent lefty Ranger Suarez.
MLB.com's Andrew Simon calls such a move a "perfect fit."
"Baltimore has been as aggressive as anyone so far this offseason, seeking to put a disastrous 2025 in the rearview mirror," Simon writes. "Alonso and Taylor Ward add needed right-handed thump to the lineup, Ryan Helsley bolsters the back of the bullpen and Shane Baz could be a significant upgrade over Grayson Rodriguez (traded for Ward) in the rotation. But that starting group still looks a little light, considering its dependence on pitchers with significant recent injury histories. Suárez isn’t going to pile up innings (147 on average in four seasons as a full-time starter) and doesn’t pitch like your typical ace. But he gets the job done, keeps runs off the board and has a sterling postseason resume."
MORE: Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
There are a few other strong free agent pitchers still out there.
Earlier in the offseason, the Orioles were often connected to Framber Valdez from the Astros.
Suarez would probably cost less than Valdez, and he's still a quality choice.
Baltimore would certainly look better on paper with a guy like Suarez in the pitching rotation.
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