Pete Alonso’s arrival in Baltimore wasn’t just a headline-grabber-it was a statement. The moment he stepped to the podium in an Orioles uniform, it was clear: the O’s are done waiting around.
They’re here to matter. And while adding the Polar Bear to an already exciting young core is a big-time swing, GM Mike Elias knows the job’s not finished.
Not even close.
Because if Baltimore is serious about contending in the American League East-a division that feels more loaded than ever-they can’t stop at Alonso. They need another front-line starter to anchor the rotation.
Not a reclamation project. Not a back-end depth piece.
A legitimate No. 2 or a rock-solid No. 3 who can take the ball in October and keep opposing lineups honest.
That kind of arm is still out there. But the clock’s ticking, and the competition is heating up.
The Arms Still on the Board
Ranger Suárez. Framber Valdez.
Michael King. All three are still available.
All three have been linked to Baltimore in recent reports. And all three would be major additions to a rotation that needs more than just innings-it needs impact.
Suárez, in particular, feels like a perfect fit. He’s a lefty with postseason experience, the kind of guy who doesn’t flinch in big moments.
He’s not flashy, but he’s tough, efficient, and can get outs deep into games. If Elias had followed up the Alonso deal with a Suárez signing at the Winter Meetings, it would’ve been a GM masterclass.
That window’s still open, but it won’t be for long.
Valdez brings a different kind of edge. He’s got the stuff and the swagger to match.
When he’s locked in, he’s a groundball machine who can dominate lineups. King, meanwhile, emerged as a breakout arm with upside to spare.
He’s not quite as proven over a full season, but the tools are there to be a high-end starter.
The Orioles have been connected to all three, but so have plenty of others. According to recent reports, the Mets and Tigers are sniffing around Valdez.
The Phillies and Astros are in on Suárez. And the Yankees and Red Sox-yes, the same AL East rivals the O’s are trying to leapfrog-are circling King.
Time to Make a Move
The reality is, none of these signings are going to come cheap. But if the Alonso deal told us anything, it’s that Elias is willing to pay to win. And right now, that means identifying the right arm and going all in.
Suárez might be the cleanest fit. He checks the boxes: playoff-tested, left-handed, still in his prime.
But whoever the target is, Elias needs to move with conviction. There’s no room for hesitation when the Yankees and Dodgers are in the mix.
If the Orioles miss out in free agency, the trade market could come into play. That’s where things get even trickier.
Elias could dangle top-tier talent-names like Adley Rutschman-for a true ace like Freddy Peralta. But even if he’s willing to go that far, he’d be competing against many of the same teams chasing these free agents.
In other words, there’s no easy path here. But that’s the nature of building a contender in today’s MLB.
The Orioles have made their intentions clear with Alonso. Now it’s about following through.
The Stakes Are Clear
Baltimore’s lineup is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous in the league. But without another top-tier starter, they risk wasting that offensive firepower.
The AL East isn’t forgiving. You’re going to need more than just bats to survive the gauntlet of Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rays.
Elias has already shown he’s willing to swing big. Now he needs to swing again-and connect.
Whether it’s Suárez, Valdez, or King, Baltimore needs another arm that can help them win now. Because with Alonso in the building and expectations rising, the Orioles aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore.
They’re in the fight. And it’s time to finish what they started.