MASN's Roch Kubatko floats a returning player as a potential bullpen addition for Baltimore before spring training.
The Baltimore Orioles are coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign where they went 75-87 and finished last in the American League East for the first time since 2021.
The front office has been busy this offseason trying to turn things around, and according to MASN's Roch Kubatko on 105.7 The Fan, they could be eyeing a familiar face to help fill out the bullpen before pitchers and catchers report.
Kubatko mentioned that the Orioles could possibly bring back left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe, who spent two successful seasons in Baltimore before the team surprisingly declined his $4 million option following the 2024 season.
The 36-year-old southpaw is currently a free agent after splitting the 2025 season between the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.
Why Coulombe Makes Sense
There are plenty of reasons why bringing Coulombe back would work for the Orioles heading into 2026.
He was excellent during his time in Baltimore, posting a combined 2.56 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 81 innings from 2023 to 2024.
He became one of the most reliable arms in the bullpen and was a respected voice in the clubhouse.
The Orioles have a clear need for left-handed relief help, and that need has been a topic of discussion throughout the offseason.
Baltimore currently has only three lefty relievers on the 40-man roster in Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, and Grant Wolfram, and none of them profile as a true specialist against left-handed hitters.
Coulombe showed he still has plenty left in the tank during the first half of 2025, when he put up a sparkling 1.16 ERA in 40 appearances for the Twins and did not allow a single home run.
He was one of the most effective relievers in baseball before being dealt to Texas at the trade deadline.
Why It Might Not Happen
There are legitimate concerns that could keep the Orioles from pursuing this reunion.
Coulombe struggled after the trade to the Rangers, posting a 5.25 ERA in 15 appearances down the stretch, though most of the damage came in just two bad outings.
He also turns 37 in October, and his velocity has dipped in recent years, which was a factor in the team's original decision to let him walk.
The Orioles have already made several major moves this offseason, including signing Pete Alonso, trading for Taylor Ward and Shane Baz, and bringing in closer Ryan Helsley to anchor the bullpen.
President of baseball operations Mike Elias may prefer to pursue younger options or allocate the remaining budget toward adding another starting pitcher instead.
Still, with spring training just weeks away, Coulombe represents a low-risk, high-reward option for a team looking to get back to the playoffs.
Baltimore's bullpen ranked 25th in baseball with a 4.57 ERA last season, and adding a proven lefty who knows the organization could go a long way toward fixing that problem.