The Baltimore Orioles came into this offseason with one clear priority: land a frontline starting pitcher. But as we edge closer to Opening Day, that mission is looking more like a missed opportunity than a completed objective.
First, it was Framber Valdez-long rumored to be a top target for Baltimore-who slipped away. The Tigers swooped in and locked him up on a headline-grabbing three-year deal, leaving the Orioles without their top option.
Then came the fallback plan: Justin Verlander. A reunion with the veteran right-hander made some sense-experience, pedigree, postseason chops.
But once again, the Tigers stepped in, bringing Verlander back to the franchise where it all started. He’ll earn $13 million in 2026, a number the Orioles may have been able to match, but sentiment and legacy won out.
Verlander’s return to Detroit feels like a victory lap, and Baltimore is left watching from the dugout.
That’s now two high-profile arms off the board-both to the same team-and the Orioles' rotation still has a glaring hole at the top.
And the market isn’t waiting around. Since the start of the week, we’ve seen a flurry of deals: Nick Martinez, Erick Fedde, Aaron Civale-all gone.
Former Oriole Tomoyuki Sugano also found a new home, signing with the Rockies. While Baltimore wasn’t necessarily in on all of those arms, Verlander was very much in the picture.
And with each passing day, the options narrow.
There’s also the question of perception. Verlander might have viewed Detroit-playing in the more forgiving AL Central-as a better shot at October than Baltimore in the ultra-competitive AL East. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team coming off a promising season and looking to take the next step.
So where does that leave the Orioles?
Zac Gallen and Lucas Giolito are the most prominent names left on the board. Gallen is the kind of pitcher who could immediately elevate the Orioles' rotation.
But signing him comes with a price: forfeiting their third-highest draft pick and a chunk of international bonus pool money. On top of that, Gallen is expected to push for an early opt-out clause in his next deal-something that could give the Orioles’ front office pause.
Then there’s Giolito. Solid, dependable, experienced.
He’d bring stability to the middle of the rotation, but he’s not the ace this team was aiming for. After missing out on Valdez and Verlander, settling for Giolito might feel like a consolation prize-and that’s not the kind of move that energizes a fan base hungry for a deep playoff run.
Mike Elias and the Orioles' front office still have time, but the clock is ticking. The rotation needs help, and the market is thinning fast.
If Baltimore wants to capitalize on its window, it’s going to take more than just filling a spot-it’s going to take a bold move. Right now, the Orioles are still looking for their guy.
Whether they find him-or settle for what's left-will go a long way in defining how this season plays out.