The Orioles came into this offseason with momentum, ambition, and a clear need: fortify the starting rotation. But with Framber Valdez off the board, Baltimore’s plans have hit a snag.
The rotation looks incomplete, and there’s no hiding it. Enter Zac Gallen - the top arm still on the market and a pitcher who checks a lot of boxes for what the Orioles need.
But as straightforward as the fit seems on paper, the pursuit of Gallen is anything but simple.
Let’s start with the facts. Gallen is coming off a down year by his standards, but he’s not far removed from being one of the most reliable and effective starters in the National League.
His track record suggests he’s more than capable of bouncing back in 2026. He’s got the pitch mix, the command, and the competitive edge that teams covet.
For a Baltimore club looking to solidify its postseason aspirations, Gallen would be a high-upside addition.
But there’s a catch - several, in fact.
First, Gallen received a qualifying offer, so any team that signs him, including the Orioles, would have to forfeit a draft pick. That’s a meaningful cost for a franchise that’s built a strong farm system and has emphasized sustainable success.
Add in the fact that Gallen is reportedly seeking a short-term deal - likely to reset his value and hit the market again without a qualifying offer attached - and things get even trickier. You’re not just paying a premium in dollars and draft capital; you’re also potentially renting a top-tier arm for a limited window.
And then there’s the bidding war. Baltimore isn’t alone in its pursuit.
The Padres, Cubs, and Diamondbacks are all reportedly in the mix, and that competition is driving up the price. The Orioles, who have historically been cautious spenders in free agency, now find themselves in a tough spot: how far are they willing to go for a pitcher with undeniable upside but real question marks?
Let’s be clear - Gallen could absolutely be worth the investment. If he returns to form, he’s a frontline starter who could anchor a playoff rotation.
But that’s a big “if,” especially coming off a season that didn’t meet expectations. And unless Baltimore is confident they can lock him in for the long haul, the risk of overpaying - both financially and in terms of lost draft capital - becomes harder to justify.
There’s still a scenario where signing Gallen makes sense. If the bidding doesn’t spiral too far out of control, or if the Orioles feel they’re one piece away from a deep October run, the gamble might be worth it. But if the market continues to heat up, Baltimore may be better off pivoting to one of the veteran arms still out there - pitchers who might not have Gallen’s ceiling, but come with fewer strings attached.
At the end of the day, the Orioles need rotation help. That much hasn’t changed. But how they go about getting it - and how much they’re willing to risk in the process - will say a lot about where this team is headed in 2026 and beyond.