Orioles target top free-agent pitchers or trade for impact arms.
The Baltimore Orioles are not done making moves this winter, and according to a new report from The Athletic, their focus remains squarely on upgrading the starting rotation heading into the 2026 season.
The Orioles' Search Continues
After a frustrating 2025 season that saw the Orioles finish 75-87 and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2022, the front office is aggressively pursuing pitching help to get back on track.
Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the team remains active in the market with several intriguing options still available.
"The Orioles remain in pursuit of another starter, either in free agency or trade," the report stated. "They could sign either of the top remaining free-agent left-handers, Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez, or even the right-handed Gallen. And they are still deep enough in prospects to pursue the remaining starters available in trade, from Cabrera to Peralta to Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore."
Free Agent Options
The two biggest names still available on the free agent market are left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, and both would represent significant upgrades for Baltimore.
Valdez spent his entire career with the Houston Astros and proved himself as one of the game's most durable workhorses, posting a 13-11 record with a 3.66 ERA over 192 innings while striking out 187 batters in 2025.
Contract projections have him landing somewhere in the range of five to seven years and $160 to $210 million.
Suárez comes off an excellent 2025 campaign in which he went 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA over 157.1 innings for the Philadelphia Phillies while recording 151 strikeouts.
The 30-year-old is expected to land a four- to six-year deal worth somewhere between $110 and $160 million, making him a slightly cheaper but still effective option.
Right-hander Zac Gallen represents another possibility after a down year in 2025 with a 13-15 record and 4.83 ERA over 192 innings, though his 175 strikeouts showed his stuff remained intact.
Trade Targets
If the Orioles decide to go the trade route instead, they have several enticing options to consider given their farm system depth.
Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins had a breakout 2025 season, going 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA over 137.2 innings while striking out 150 batters and is controllable through 2028.
Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta put together a career year in 2025 with a 17-6 record and 2.70 ERA while striking out 204 batters, though he would come at a steep price.
Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore was named to his first All-Star team in 2025 and reached 100 strikeouts faster than any pitcher in baseball that season.
With spring training just weeks away, the Orioles have made it clear they intend to be major players in the pitching market, and help appears to be on the way for a rotation that desperately needs it.