The Orioles are heading into a winter that could look a lot different than the one they just wrapped up.
Multiple industry sources briefed on Baltimore’s thinking say the club is preparing for an active stretch of transactions, with the clearest needs coming in the rotation and the outfield. And to get there, the Orioles are willing to hear out trade talks on just about everybody on the roster except Pete Alonso, according to those sources.
That doesn’t mean a roster shakeup is guaranteed. But after two straight losing seasons, Baltimore is at a point where Jared Banner and president of baseball operations Mike Elias are weighing a wide range of possibilities.
Sources said a deal involving shortstop Gunnar Henderson is not considered likely, and that any team trying to pry him away would have to pay a steep price. Still, the Orioles are keeping the door open on all fronts.
At the top of the wish list is pitching. Baltimore is expected to pursue at least one starting arm, while also looking for help in the outfield and behind the plate, sources said. The club is not actively shopping its players, but it is staying open-minded as it looks for a path back to the postseason.
The rotation picture has some pieces in place. Right-handers Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz are there, along with breakout starter Brandon Young.
But left-hander Trevor Rogers is headed toward free agency unless he accepts the qualifying offer that is expected Monday. That leaves Baltimore with the possibility of seeking a short-term answer until one of its top prospects is ready.
Left-hander Joseph Dzierwa and right-hander Anthony Eyanson both reached Double-A this year.
Another route the Orioles could explore is dealing from their late-inning relief group. Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista are both under contract for 2027, and one source said Baltimore may be willing to use one of them to bring back a major leaguer. Injury concerns for both could make that harder to pull off.
There’s also no shortage of infield depth, especially at third base. Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jordan Westburg, who is coming back from elbow surgery, all give Baltimore options there.
Mayo’s name stands out most. After uneven stretches early in his major league career, the 24-year-old broke through in 2026 as an everyday hitter who offered more than just power. Opposing clubs now view him as a threat against left-handed pitching, and the upside still looks real.
The outfield, though, remains unsettled. Colton Cowser has locked in his reputation as a strong defender in center or left, but he hit .226.
Dylan Beavers was a below-average defender and hit .228. Tyler O’Neill brings two Gold Glove awards, but staying on the field has been a problem, and his offense has been inconsistent.
That’s why Baltimore could use another corner outfielder, especially one who upgrades the defense.
Catcher is another interesting piece of the puzzle. The Orioles traded Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox at the deadline, and the organization appears committed to the future of Samuel Basallo after giving him an eight-year extension last year.
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Orioles Offseason Cleanup Is Forcing A Tough Roster Call
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The bigger choice on the immediate horizon is Ryan Mountcastle, whose $7.5 million team option gives Baltimore a straightforward but meaningful decision point as it weighs payroll, depth and fit. Around the league, award season also got rolling with BBWAA finalists and Silver Slugger nominees announced, while former Oriole Christian Walker added another Gold Glove to his rsum, a reminder of how many familiar names keep surfacing as the Orioles own roster puzzle gets sorted out. [Read more 🡒]