The Baltimore Orioles made a big splash on Wednesday, signing right-handed slugger Pete Alonso in MLB free agency to a five-year, $155 million contract. This deal makes him the highest-paid first baseman by annual value in league history, and sees him leave the New York Mets where he had spent the first seven years of his career.

Alonso became New York's all-time leader in home runs last season, and leaves behind a run that includes five All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger award. While the move was stunning to many, it signals Baltimore's intent to reestablish itself in the AL East after finishing in last place a season ago.

Signing Alonso gives the Orioles another big bat in the middle of their order, but it does not address what many deem the team's biggest issue — their pitching staff. Baltimore had the fifth-worst team ERA in baseball last season with a 4.60 mark and has done little to address this this offseason. In fact, they even dealt away right-handed starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, who despite his injury issues and inconsistency, still projects as a potential quality rotation piece at just 26 years old.

In a loaded American League East, Baltimore still faces an uphill battle after the Alonso signing. The defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays have only improved this offseason, and both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox project to factor into the division race again. This is why Baltimore needs to improve its pitching before fans get too excited about the noise this upgraded lineup can make in 2026.

Among the top remaining free agent starting pitchers are Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Nick Martinez, Chris Bassitt, Michael King, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Valdez, who is coming off several standout seasons with the Houston Astros, would be a frontline-caliber signing for any team — but especially Baltimore. Suárez offers a similarly steady profile, having evolved into one of the league’s more reliable left-handers with an ability to limit hard contact and work deep into games.

That said, with Baltimore having now paid Alonso the highest-paid first baseman by annual value in league history, they may be priced out of the Valdez or Suarez pursuits. But they should still be on the hunt for quality starting pitching. If they can land one or two quality arms, a division many already deem baseball's best could become even better.