The Baltimore Orioles have already made some noise this offseason, but with spring training on the horizon, there’s a growing sense that they’re not quite done yet. The smart money says the next move should target the starting rotation - and while the club has already made notable upgrades, there’s still a clear case for adding a frontline starter to the mix.
Let’s break it down. The Orioles made a splash by trading for Shane Baz, a high-upside arm with electric stuff when healthy.
They also signed Ryan Helsley, a hard-throwing reliever who gives the bullpen a legitimate late-inning presence - especially important with Felix Bautista expected to miss most of 2026. Those are meaningful moves.
But if Baltimore wants to take the next step, especially in an American League that’s only getting tougher, they could use another top-tier starter to slot in alongside Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.
There’s been some talk - including from national analysts - that the Orioles might be content rolling out a six-man rotation. That’s not out of the question, especially if they want to manage innings or keep young arms fresh.
But even if that’s the plan, it doesn’t mean they should pass on a chance to add a proven ace. Someone like Framber Valdez would be a perfect fit: experienced, durable, and playoff-tested.
Zac Gallen would fit that mold too. If the opportunity is there, Baltimore should be aggressive.
That said, if the Orioles decide to shift focus back to the bullpen, there’s a reunion that makes a lot of sense: Danny Coulombe.
Coulombe is no stranger to Camden Yards. He was a key piece of the Orioles' bullpen in 2023 and 2024, carving out a role as a reliable high-leverage lefty.
He started the 2025 season with the Twins and was lights-out - a 1.16 ERA over 40 appearances is elite stuff. But after a midseason trade to the Rangers, things unraveled a bit.
Coulombe struggled down the stretch in Texas, posting a 5.25 ERA in 15 outings. Still, the track record in Baltimore is strong, and at this point in the offseason, he could be a low-risk, high-reward addition.
The Orioles’ bullpen went through a bit of a teardown at the deadline last year, but they’ve already started to rebuild. Helsley should slide into a late-inning role with ease, and the return of Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs adds another veteran to the mix. But one more established arm - especially a lefty like Coulombe - would give manager Brandon Hyde more flexibility and matchup options late in games.
Bottom line: the Orioles are in a good spot, but not a finished product. If they can land a top starter, they should.
If not, shoring up the bullpen with a familiar face like Coulombe would still be a smart play. Either way, this team is building toward something - and with a few more tweaks, they could be ready to make serious noise in 2026.