The Baltimore Orioles slipped to 75 wins and last in the AL East in 2025, with a 4.60 team ERA dragging them out of the race. Brandon Hyde was fired in May, Tony Mansolino finished the year, and Craig Albernaz now takes over with a mandate to stop sliding backward.
Trading Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward has already heightened the urgency of every decision. The Winter Meetings must deliver roster upgrades that actually matter.
1. Add a frontline starter who changes the rotation’s ceiling
Mike Elias has identified a top-end starter as the priority, and the Orioles have been tied to names like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and NPB star Tatsuya Imai. One real No. 1 or No. 2 next to Trevor Rogers turns every night into a matchup the Orioles can win — not survive.
2. Replace Rodriguez’s innings with stability
Moving Rodriguez cut straight into the rotation depth that once defined this era. Baltimore needs a veteran who can guarantee 160 innings and let Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge handle the late innings instead of bailing out short starts every series.
3. Add a middle-order bat who puts fear back into their lineup
Ward brings power, but this offense still needs a hitter who forces mistakes. The Orioles remain connected to names like Kyle Tucker. A left-handed 25–30 homer presence — ideally behind Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson — changes how teams pitch the entire lineup.
The Orioles have already made bold choices by trading a future rotation leader and changing managers.
Now comes the follow-through.
