The Baltimore Orioles didn’t just dip their toes into the offseason waters-they dove in headfirst. After a 2025 campaign that showed flashes of promise but left room for growth, the front office made it clear: this team is ready to win now.
From top to bottom, the Orioles have loaded up, addressing both their lineup and pitching staff with a mix of strategic trades and savvy signings. And while there’s still a need for one more frontline starter, the work already done has turned heads around the league. In fact, the club earned an “A” grade for its offseason from longtime executive and analyst Jim Bowden, who praised the Orioles for getting serious about contending.
Let’s break down why this winter has been such a success in Baltimore-and why the Orioles might not be done just yet.
A Rotation Taking Shape-But One Piece Away
The Orioles’ rotation got a significant facelift this offseason. Shane Baz and Zach Eflin were key additions, both bringing different strengths to the table.
Baz, when healthy, offers electric stuff and frontline potential, while Eflin is a steady, proven arm who can eat innings and keep games within reach. Add them to a group that already includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer, and you’ve got a solid foundation.
Still, there’s a sense that the Orioles are one ace away from having a truly formidable rotation. That’s where names like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen come into play.
Both are high-caliber starters who could immediately slot in at the top of the staff and elevate the team’s postseason aspirations. Valdez, a lefty with playoff experience and a heavy sinker, would bring balance and grit.
Gallen, a right-hander with elite command and swing-and-miss stuff, would be a statement acquisition.
Bowden floated both names as potential final pieces to Baltimore’s puzzle. And if the Orioles can land one of them? Watch out.
A Lineup Built to Mash
While the rotation is still a work in progress, the offense looks ready to roll. The Orioles bolstered an already promising lineup by adding Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward-two players who bring power, plate discipline, and veteran presence.
Alonso, in particular, changes the dynamic of this offense. His ability to hit for power in the heart of the order gives Baltimore a legitimate middle-of-the-lineup threat. Ward, meanwhile, adds versatility and quality at-bats, making this lineup even tougher from top to bottom.
With these additions, the Orioles now boast a batting order that can hang with just about anyone in the league. The young core is still intact, and now it’s surrounded by proven talent that knows how to win.
A Contender in the Making
There’s no sugarcoating it: the Orioles are officially in win-now mode. The moves they’ve made this winter aren’t just about building for the future-they’re about competing in the present. And they’ve done it without mortgaging their long-term potential.
Even with the acknowledged need for one more frontline starter, Baltimore’s offseason has been one of the best in baseball. The roster is deeper, more balanced, and more experienced than it was a few months ago.
And if the front office can pull off one more big move-say, Valdez or Gallen-this team won’t just be aiming for a playoff spot. They’ll be gunning for October glory.
Bowden’s “A” grade isn’t just a pat on the back-it’s a reflection of how far this organization has come. The Orioles have turned potential into purpose, and the rest of the American League should be paying close attention.