The Baltimore Orioles have been busy this MLB offseason.
The Baltimore Orioles have been incredibly busy this offseason, retooling the roster to ensure they do not miss the MLB postseason again. President of baseball operations Mike Elias has made a series of bold moves that signal a clear shift toward winning now, balancing offensive firepower with pitching depth.
The biggest splash came with the signing of right-handed slugger Pete Alonso. Fresh off a 2025 campaign in which he hit .272 with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs and an .871 OPS, Alonso immediately becomes the focal point of Baltimore’s lineup.
His presence provides protection for Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson while giving the Orioles a proven run producer in the heart of the order. The move also demonstrates a willingness to spend big, energizing the fan base and sending a message that Baltimore is serious about contending.
The Orioles also swung a headline-grabbing trade, sending starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward. Ward hit .228 with a .317 on-base percentage, a .792 OPS, 36 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2025. The deal prioritizes immediate offensive production over long-term pitching depth, underscoring the urgency Elias feels to win now.
On the pitching side, Baltimore re-signed Zach Eflin to a one-year deal worth $10 million. Eflin battled injuries last season and finished with a 5.93 ERA across 71 1/3 innings, but his familiarity with the staff and potential to bounce back make this a low-risk depth move.
The bullpen also received attention with the reacquisition of Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Kittredge posted a 3.40 ERA, 64 strikeouts and a 0.981 WHIP in 54 appearances last season. His return is especially important with closer Felix Bautista expected to miss most, if not all, of 2026 following shoulder surgery. Adding a veteran arm with late-inning experience strengthens the relief corps without sacrificing prospects.
Finally, the Orioles pulled off another big trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring Shane Baz for four prospects and a draft pick. With multiple years of team control remaining, Baz has the upside to become a frontline starter and a key piece of Baltimore’s rotation rebuild.
Taken together, these moves reflect an aggressive strategy aimed at immediate contention. Elias has sacrificed future assets to strengthen the present roster while dedicating major payroll commitments to impact talent. The result is a team that looks far more capable of returning to October baseball.
Offseason Grade So Far: A+