For a long time, the Baltimore Orioles have been quite frugal when it comes to free agent spending. In fact, in the seven year tenure of president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, the Orioles have only signed one free agent to a multi-year deal. That player being Tyler O'Neil. Furthermore, O'Neil and young catcher Samuel Basallo are the only Orioles under contract past the 2026 season.
According to MLB insider Mark Polishuk, that is destined to change this offseason. Baltimore is gearing up to spend much more than they have in recent seasons and they are interested in some of the top names on the market.
According to Jon Heyman, the Orioles are said to be interested in Kyle Schwarber, Framber Valdez as well as Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai. Before retaining Ryan Mountcastle, the team was thought to be interested in longtime New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and before he signed with the Blue Jays, they were in on Dylan Cease as well.
Having traded for Taylor Ward earlier in the offseason, it seems as though Baltimore is gearing up to go all-in for the 2026 season. An interesting choice, given how the Orioles took a large step back last season.
That said, fans have to be encouraged by the team's willingness to spend, something that the Orioles have stayed away from in the past.
If unable to lure the top names on the market, it will be interesting to see who the Orioles pivot to as a secondary option.
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