Orioles Offseason: Quiet Front, Big Questions as Spring Training Looms
As we inch closer to spring training, the Orioles’ offseason has been defined more by what hasn’t happened than what has. Baltimore’s front office, led by Mike Elias, has yet to make any major roster shakeups, and while that’s not entirely surprising, it does leave fans wondering when-or if-the needle will move before Opening Day.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the Orioles still haven’t landed the frontline starting pitcher they’ve been linked to for months. From Framber Valdez to Justin Verlander to Lucas Giolito and Zac Gallen, the rumor mill has churned, but nothing has materialized.
The need is obvious, the targets have been clear, but the action? Still pending.
The bullpen isn’t in much better shape. After adding Andrew Kittredge and Ryan Helsley earlier in the offseason, Baltimore’s reliever market has gone radio silent.
There’s a strong chance we’ll see the O’s take flyers on minor league deals with spring invites, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. That approach can work-bullpen gems often emerge from unexpected places-but it’s a risky way to enter a 162-game grind.
On the position player side, things feel more settled, at least for now. No trades involving Coby Mayo or Ryan Mountcastle appear imminent, and the 40-man roster seems largely set heading into camp.
That said, there’s still a noticeable gap: a true utility man. Bryan Ramos was recently added and could be a bench piece, but he’s spent nearly all of his pro time at third base.
Versatility isn’t his calling card-yet.
In the outfield, Colton Cowser is tracking to be the everyday center fielder, with Leody Taveras likely to step in when needed. It’s a solid tandem, though not a perfect one.
But that’s kind of the theme here. The roster doesn’t fit together like a puzzle that clicks into place.
And that’s by design.
Elias has emphasized building depth and redundancy-creating a roster flexible enough to withstand the inevitable injuries and slumps that come with a long season. That means players like Mayo and Jackson Holliday could start the year in Norfolk, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay there.
Over 162 games, talent finds its way to the bigs. The goal is to be ready when opportunity knocks.
Arbitration Update: Bradish Wins His Case
Kyle Bradish and the Orioles went to arbitration, and Bradish came out on top. He’ll earn $3.55 million this season-$675,000 more than the team had filed for.
It’s not an unusual gap, but arbitration can be a tricky process. It’s never ideal when a team has to make a case against one of its core players in a hearing room.
Bradish is a key part of this rotation moving forward, and keeping that relationship strong matters. But at the end of the day, baseball is a business, and this is part of the process.
Minor League Staffs Set for 2026
The Orioles announced their minor league coaching staffs for the 2026 season, and the changes were minimal. That suggests a level of satisfaction with the direction of player development throughout the system. Continuity can be a good thing, especially when the farm system has been one of the most productive in baseball over the last few years.
Gunnar Henderson Is Getting Faster
Gunnar Henderson is already one of the fastest players in the league, and he’s working to get even quicker. This offseason, he focused on speed and agility training to preserve his athleticism as he continues to grow into his frame.
Henderson knows that size can be both a blessing and a burden as he matures, and he’s taking steps now to stay ahead of the curve. The Orioles don’t just want him to be great-they want him to stay great for a long time.
Spring Training Buzz
There’s a buzz around this year’s spring training that feels a little different. Maybe it’s the cold winter in Baltimore, maybe it’s the hope that this young core is ready to take the next step.
Either way, the anticipation is real. With so many talented players knocking on the door and a roster that’s just a few tweaks away from true contention, the next few weeks could be pivotal.
On This Day in Orioles History
Back in 2011, the Orioles signed Vladimir Guerrero to a one-year deal. It turned out to be the final chapter of his Hall-of-Fame career.
Over 145 games in Baltimore, Guerrero hit .290 with 13 home runs and a 98 OPS+. He may not have lit the world on fire in his final season, but he brought a veteran presence to a team that was still finding its identity.
The Orioles may be playing it close to the vest this winter, but that doesn’t mean the story isn’t unfolding. With spring training right around the corner, the clock is ticking.
Whether it’s a late splash in the pitching market or a few under-the-radar bullpen additions, there’s still time to round out this roster. But the window is narrowing.
Let’s see what Elias and Co. have up their sleeve.