The Baltimore Orioles may return to the postseason sooner rather than later.
After missing out on the playoffs last year and falling way below expectations, the Orioles became one of the busiest clubs in both the free agent and trade markets this winter.
Their president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, received praise from The Athletic's Jim Bowden for his offseason moves, including the contracts with slugging first baseman Pete Alonso, reliever Ryan Helsley, and starter Zach Eflin.
"The Orioles have done the most to improve their club, and it has already been the best offseason of president of baseball operations Mike Elias’ career," wrote Bowden.
Baltimore also swung trades for outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Orioles' offseason moves in 2024
For a team that desired to compete in the AL East and advance far in the postseason, the Orioles accomplished little to make those desires a reality during the 2025 season.
After losing Cy Young Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Orioles signed Tyler O'Neill and Gary Sanchez to help on offense. But they did little to improve on the pitching side, signing hurlers in their mid to upper thirties, like Tomoyuki Sugano, Charlie Morton, and Kyle Gibson.
This upcoming season, the Orioles could become a formidable offense with Gunnar Henderson, Alonso, and up-and-coming stars like Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo. Elias' urgency to improve the club was clear this winter.
More MLB news:
- Giants linked to top free-agent pitcher despite rotational moves
- Braves viewed as an option to sign one of the top free agents
- Padres' 2025 trade acquisition named potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026
- Giants' top prospect tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026
- Orioles' youngster tagged as potential 'breakout candidate' for 2026