Orioles Pursue Top Free Agent Starters Post-Alonso Deal
After an impressive offensive addition, the Baltimore Orioles are shifting focus to their pitching rotation. Following the acquisition of Pete Alonso on a five-year contract worth $31 million annually, the team has room to explore free agency for top starters. Reports from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi indicate that the Orioles are interested in several prominent free agent pitchers, including Ranger Suárez.
Orioles’ Strategic Shift to Pitching
The Orioles secured Alonso as their marquee free agent, the largest commitment by General Manager Mike Elias during his tenure. With this significant move, the long-term salary situation for the team remains relatively open compared to previous years. Currently, Alonso joins a select group of players locked into contracts beyond the upcoming season. Alongside him are Ryan Helsley, Tyler O’Neill, and Samuel Basallo.
- Ryan Helsley and Tyler O’Neill are under contract until 2027.
- Samuel Basallo’s salary will not exceed $4 million until 2030.
As Baltimore aims to strengthen their rotation, they are projected to face a 2026 payroll obligation of approximately $148 million, which includes Alonso’s estimated salary. The team previously committed over $159 million for their Opening Day payroll in 2025.
Targeting Top Free Agents and Trades
The primary goal for Elias and his team is to acquire a front-line starter. Their interests reportedly extend to pitchers like Framber Valdez, Michael King, and Tatsuya Imai, along with Suárez. Notably, Elias has expressed a willingness to sacrifice a draft pick for players who declined qualifying offers, including Valdez and Suárez.
Simultaneously, Baltimore is actively exploring trade opportunities. They have shown particular interest in Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins and MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals. Both players could significantly contribute to bolstering the Orioles’ rotation.
MacKenzie Gore’s Performance and Potential
Gore, a left-handed pitcher, stands out as a potential acquisition due to his previous high ranking as a prospect. Despite facing challenges in his most recent season, Gore demonstrated flashes of brilliance, notably achieving a 3.02 ERA before the All-Star break. His impressive statistics include:
- 30.5% strikeout rate.
- 7.7% walk rate.
- Average fastball velocity of 95.5 mph.
Although he faced difficulties in the latter part of the season, finishing with a 4.17 ERA over 159.2 innings, the Orioles can benefit from his capacity to evolve into a reliable starter. Given the Nationals’ front office overhaul, there may be untapped potential for improvement in Gore’s performance.
Future Outlook for the Orioles
While Baltimore is set on addressing their pitching needs, the dynamics of their roster remain complex. With the recent addition of Taylor Ward via trade and a crowded outfield featuring O’Neill, Colton Cowser, and Dylan Beavers, the team must carefully assess its lineup. The Orioles are likely to allocate designated hitter at-bats to either Basallo or Adley Rutschman, further complicating their roster decisions.
As they approach the new season, the Orioles look to cement their standing within the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball while effectively enhancing their pitching rotation.
