The Baltimore Orioles are in a precarious position as MLB’s winter meetings kick off in Orlando, and their starting rotation is in desperate need of a lifeline. With executives, agents, and players converging for this annual baseball extravaganza, the pressure is on for Mike Elias and his team to make bold moves. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a flurry of offseason activity, the Orioles have yet to address their most glaring weakness—starting pitching. Will they finally land a top-tier arm, or will they repeat last year’s mistakes?
The winter meetings, a hotbed of rumors, deals, and decisions, run through Wednesday, offering the Orioles a golden opportunity to reshape their roster. So far, Elias has been busy. The team hired Craig Albernaz as their new manager, a move that signals a broader coaching staff overhaul. Albernaz, formerly the Cleveland Guardians’ associate manager, steps into his first MLB managerial role, bringing fresh perspectives to a team in transition. Notably, the Orioles’ 2025 hitting coaches have been replaced, with Justin Lind, ex-Phillies assistant hitting coach, among the new additions. Pitching coach Drew French and third base coach Buck Britton, however, are expected to stay on.
On the player front, the Orioles have been active. They signed Ryan Helsley, the former Cardinals All-Star, to a two-year, $28 million deal, hoping he can fill the closer role left uncertain by Félix Bautista’s injury. Andrew Kittredge, who pitched 31 games for the Orioles before a midseason trade to the Cubs, returns as a setup man. But it’s the trade for Taylor Ward that has fans divided. To acquire the Angels’ outfielder, the Orioles dealt Grayson Rodriguez, their once-promising but injury-prone pitching prospect. Was Ward worth the price? That debate will rage in Birdland for years. Meanwhile, the addition of Leody Taveras brings much-needed speed and defensive depth to the bench.
And this is the part most people miss: while the Orioles have made headlines with these moves, their starting rotation remains a question mark. The 2025 season saw their starters post a 4.65 ERA, the third-worst in the American League. Last offseason’s attempts to replace Corbin Burnes and Kyle Bradish with Tomoyuki Sugano, Charlie Morton, and Zach Eflin fell flat. Sugano, though reliable, wasn’t dominant, and Eflin struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness. Both are now free agents, leaving the rotation thinner than ever.
The Orioles’ winter meetings shopping list must prioritize starting pitching. Names like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Tatsuya Imai could be game-changers, with Valdez’s connection to Elias from their Astros days adding intrigue. Other options include Michael King, Zac Gallen, and Lucas Giolito, each bringing varying levels of upside. But will the Orioles leave Orlando with a new ace? Or, better yet, two?
Pitching isn’t their only need, though. The offense, even with Ward’s addition, could use another power bat. Kyle Tucker or Kyle Schwarber, premier free agent sluggers, could transform the lineup. If the Pittsburgh Pirates can offer Schwarber a nine-figure deal, why can’t the Orioles get in on the action? It’s a bold move, but one that could pay dividends.
Amid the deal-making, two key events will unfold in Orlando. On Tuesday, MLB’s 2026 draft lottery will determine the top six picks. The Orioles, with the fourth-best odds (9.24%), have a shot at the #1 pick, though it’s far from guaranteed. Last year, the Nationals defied similar odds to land the top selection. On Wednesday, the Rule 5 draft concludes the meetings. Once a favorite of the Orioles, who famously acquired players like Anthony Santander through it, the Rule 5 has taken a backseat under Elias. The team hasn’t made a pick since 2022 and may pass again this year, focusing instead on protecting their own prospects like Cameron Foster, Anthony Nunez, and Reed Trimble.
As the winter meetings unfold, the Orioles stand at a crossroads. Their moves so far have been solid, but their rotation remains a liability. Will they seize this opportunity to rebuild their starting pitching? Or will they leave Orlando with unfinished business? What do you think—are the Orioles on the right track, or do they need to aim higher? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
