Three questions facing Baltimore Orioles this offseason

The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2026 season with high hopes.

Although the Orioles disappointed in 2025, they did not stand pat during the offseason. They notably acquired outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Angels while signing pitchers Chris Bassitt and Ryan Helsley and first baseman Pete Alonso. While the Orioles faced a tough road in the AL East, there was reason to believe that they could make a run for the postseason.

Instead, the Orioles were sellers ahead of the trade deadline, culminating in a trade that sent catcher Adley Rutschman to Boston for a package of prospects. The Orioles' 79-82 record was good enough to keep them in contention for the final wild-card spot, but that was more an indictment of the American League than a testament to their roster.

The future looks bright in Baltimore as it added a great deal of talent to the farm system. But will that matter in 2027?

Three questions facing the Orioles

1. Can catcher Samuel Basallo take the next step?

The Orioles showed their faith in Basallo by signing him to an eight-year, $67 million extension in August 2025. Trading Rutschman doubled down on the belief that Basallo will be their catcher of the present and future. He responded with a solid rookie season, posting a .222/.291/.406 batting line in his 399 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 10 doubles while throwing out 26.1 percent of would-be base stealers.

Although Basallo had a solid showing, the Orioles are reportedly looking for an offensive upgrade as his backup. Basallo had gotten time at first base and designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup, but if he can further tap into his impressive power potential, he could transform the Orioles lineup.

2. Do the Orioles spend to attract a top-of-the-rotation starter?

The Orioles have a solid trio of pitchers in Shane Baz, Brandon Young and Kyle Bradish to build around. The problem is that they have not had a true top-of-the-rotation starter since Corbin Burnes left in free agency during the 2024-25 offseason. It is likely not a coincidence that the Orioles have missed the postseason in both years since his departure.

The Orioles will have plenty of options in free agency. Even if they are unable to land Tarik Skubal, the likes of Sonny Gray, Freddy Peralta and Kevin Gausman could help fill that void. Bringing Trevor Rogers back would make sense, but would not give them the top-of-the-rotation starter they need. The Orioles made a splash in free agency last offseason by signing Alonso — it is time to make a splash in the rotation.

3. How much job security does Mike Elias have?

Elias currently serves as the Orioles president of baseball operations and general manager. He indicated a willingness to find a different GM during the 2025-26 offseason before ultimately retaining both of his titles. However, Elias stated that he wanted fresh voices in the front office, which culminated in the hiring of Cubs assistant general manager Jared Banner as their new GM.

Hiring Banner does not necessarily mean that Elias is on the hot seat. Team owner David Rubenstein expressed his long-term confidence that Elias will get the Orioles back on track, blaming their down season in 2026 on injuries. However, if the Orioles start slowly in 2027, Elias may need a quick turnaround before his seat starts to warm.