Orioles could make up for recent lackluster offseasons by doing this

The Baltimore Orioles' disappointing 2025 season began with a lackluster 2024-25 offseason. Those quiet offseasons may be a thing of the past moving forward.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Orioles are looking to shop at the top of the free agent market, expressing interest in outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and pitchers Framber Valdez and Tatsuya Imai. Heyman further reported that the Orioles were interested in pitcher Dylan Cease before he signed a seven-year, $210M contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Heyman's report adds credence to the Orioles' claims that this offseason would be different. President of baseball operations Mike Elias had said that the Orioles are willing to spend to add to the roster and that the qualifying offer would not be a deterrent. 

Orioles need to prove their actions will match their words

The Orioles have an extensive shopping list as they look to return to contention. While acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward was a start to adding more power to the lineup, he is slated for free agency after this season. The Orioles need at least one more power hitter for the middle of what was a relatively mediocre lineup.

Likewise, the Orioles need help atop the rotation. Ward came with a high price tag in Grayson Rodriguez, a talented pitcher who has displayed flashes of being a top-of-the-rotation starter but has battled injuries and inconsistency. Adding a pitcher such as Valdez or Imai to Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers could give the Orioles a strong trio of starters for 2026.

However, actions speak louder than words. Elias can say all the right things about the Orioles' willingness to spend but those words will ring hollow until a top free agent signs in Baltimore. His job, and the Orioles' playoff hopes, may depend on whether or not Elias can revamp the roster.