Orioles Still Need to Shore Up Rotation Despite Alonso Buzz
There are 102 days left until Opening Day 2026, and the Orioles are already giving fans reasons to get excited. The big headline this week?
Pete Alonso’s official welcome to Birdland. The slugger made a strong first impression during his introductory press conference, showing off not just his power at the plate, but a clear buy-in to what Baltimore is building.
His energy, enthusiasm, and belief in the Orioles’ direction were hard to miss-and that kind of presence in the clubhouse matters.
But while Alonso’s arrival adds serious thump to the middle of the lineup, it doesn’t solve the team’s most pressing question: what’s next for the starting rotation?
Rotation Help Still a Priority
Mike Elias has work to do. Even with Alonso in the fold, the Orioles’ pitching staff remains a work in progress.
The front office has made it clear they’re not just content to ride the momentum from last year-they want to take the next step. And that likely means adding a top-tier arm.
The question is, how aggressive will Elias get? The free agent market still includes a few high-end starters, but those names come with hefty price tags-potentially nine-figure deals. That’s a big ask, even after the team opened the checkbook for Alonso.
Eyes on Imai
One name to keep an eye on is Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. According to reports, Imai is set to begin meeting with MLB teams this week, and there’s a sense that his market could impact how quickly other top-tier pitchers like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez find homes. If Imai’s asking price sets the tone, the rest of the rotation market could move quickly-possibly even before Christmas.
Imai is represented by Scott Boras, the same agent who just helped negotiate Alonso’s deal with Baltimore. That recent collaboration could work in the Orioles’ favor.
If Elias and the front office can make a compelling case-both financially and in terms of vision-Imai might be a realistic target. And if they land him, that’s not just a rotation upgrade; that’s a statement.
What’s Clear: The Orioles Aren’t Done
Elias has said all the right things about improving the rotation, and there’s every indication he means it. The Alonso signing was a splash, but it also signals something bigger: the Orioles are ready to spend and ready to win.
They’ve got a young core, a deep farm system, and now a legitimate power bat anchoring the lineup. But to compete deep into October, they’ll need arms that can match their bats.
Around Birdland
If you missed it, Alonso’s press conference was a mix of genuine excitement and a few unexpected laughs-including an impersonation of former Orioles skipper Buck Showalter. Alonso looked and sounded like a guy who’s ready to embrace the city and the challenge ahead. That kind of energy is contagious.
There’s also been some discussion about what this kind of spending means for the long-term futures of young stars like Gunnar Henderson. It’s a fair question. But if the new ownership group is serious about building around this core, locking in foundational pieces might not be far behind-especially once Boras’ other clients hit the market.
Birthday Notes
Happy birthday to Taylor Ward, who turns 32 today. He hasn’t suited up for the Orioles yet, but here’s hoping he gives fans something to cheer about in 2026-maybe a home run for every candle on the cake?
Also celebrating birthdays today: former Orioles Adam Frazier, Rodrigo López, Jeff Robinson, and Sam Jones. And in case you’re into trivia, Hall of Famer Craig Biggio and WWII hero Jimmy Doolittle were also born on this day.
Looking Ahead
The Alonso signing is a big win for the Orioles, no doubt. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The rotation remains the next big domino, and with the market starting to move, the next couple of weeks could be pivotal.
If Elias and the front office can follow up their offensive splash with a serious pitching addition, this team won’t just be fun-they’ll be dangerous. Opening Day is still over three months away, but the Orioles are already making noise.