Orioles Quiet as AL East Rivals Make Moves, But Big Questions Remain
It was a quiet weekend for the Orioles, and that’s been the theme of the offseason so far. While other teams across Major League Baseball are making noise-finalizing deals and reshaping rosters-the O’s have stayed mostly silent.
But that doesn’t mean the rest of the American League East is standing still. And some of those moves are worth a closer look, especially when they could impact Baltimore’s path to another postseason run.
Ranger Suárez to Boston: A Blow to Baltimore’s Lineup
Let’s start with the Red Sox. They landed left-hander Ranger Suárez, a move that could have real implications for the Orioles.
Suárez isn’t just another arm-he’s a proven postseason performer with a calm, composed presence on the mound. Adding him to Boston’s rotation gives them a reliable innings-eater with swing-and-miss stuff, and for a team that’s been searching for consistency on the mound, this is a big get.
For the Orioles, who struggled at times against left-handed pitching in 2025, this isn’t the news you want to hear. Facing Suárez multiple times a year isn’t ideal.
Blue Jays Miss on Tucker and Bichette Walks
Meanwhile, up in Toronto, the Blue Jays swung big-and missed. They reportedly offered Kyle Tucker a massive 10-year, $350 million deal.
That’s franchise-player money, and it shows how serious they were about landing him. But Tucker chose a shorter deal with the Dodgers instead, leaving the Jays empty-handed.
Then came the departure of Bo Bichette. After seven seasons in Toronto, Bichette is heading to the Mets.
That’s a major shift for the AL East. Bichette has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ offense and a familiar thorn in the side for Orioles pitchers.
Getting him out of the division is a win for Baltimore, no doubt. But it also signals a bit of a reset in Toronto, which could open the door a little wider in the division race-if the Orioles are ready to step through it.
Yankees Still Pursuing Bellinger
The Yankees have been relatively quiet as well, but there’s been one storyline that won’t go away: Cody Bellinger. New York has been in pursuit of the slugger for weeks, and now it sounds like they’re willing to include opt-outs in a five-year deal. That’s a sign they’re getting serious-and maybe a little desperate.
Bellinger returning to the Bronx feels like it’s trending toward inevitability, but until pen hits paper, there’s still a sliver of uncertainty. For Orioles fans, the idea of Bellinger in pinstripes isn’t exactly comforting.
He brings left-handed power, a Gold Glove-caliber glove in center field, and postseason experience. But if that deal somehow falls through?
That would be a twist worth watching.
Top Free Agents Still on the Market
We’re down to just four players from MLB Trade Rumors’ top 25 free agents who haven’t signed yet: Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Eugenio Suárez. One of those names jumps off the page for Orioles fans-and that’s Valdez.
Yes, we’ve been talking about him for what feels like forever. And yes, it still feels like he’s a perfect fit for what the Orioles need: a frontline starter who can anchor a rotation in October. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking, and the market is thinning.
Rotation Rumblings: Verlander Talk Surfaces
There’s also been chatter-though nothing concrete-about the Orioles potentially having interest in Justin Verlander. That rumor has been floating around, but the latest reporting suggests it might not be anything substantial.
Still, it’s a reminder that Baltimore is at least being mentioned in conversations about veteran arms. Whether they pull the trigger on someone like Verlander or continue to wait for the right fit, it’s clear the rotation remains the biggest area of need.
ZiPS Projections: Infield Solid, Rotation Still a Question
FanGraphs recently dropped their 2026 ZiPS projections for the Orioles, and there’s a lot to like. The infield looks strong, with Jackson Holliday expected to take another step forward.
But the overall assessment? This team still needs that “dude” in the rotation.
That top-of-the-line presence who can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best when the games matter most. It’s a fair critique-and one the front office is surely aware of.
On This Day in Orioles History
A few notable moments from January 19 in Orioles history:
- In 1995, during the players’ strike, Orioles owner Peter Angelos made a bold move by announcing that the team would not use replacement players if the strike extended into the regular season. That decision stood out at the time, and the strike ultimately ended just days before Opening Day.
- In 2013, the Orioles lost one of their legends. Earl Weaver, the fiery and brilliant manager who led Baltimore to four pennants and a World Series title, passed away at age 82. He died of a heart attack while on an Orioles cruise-a poetic, if bittersweet, farewell for a man who lived and breathed the game.
- And in 2017, the Orioles signed Mark Trumbo to a three-year deal. Let’s just say that one didn’t exactly age well.
Birthday Notes
If today’s your birthday, you share it with a few former Orioles:
- Rick Krivda, who pitched in 45 games for the team from 1995 to 1997, turns 56.
- Chris Sabo, known for his goggles and grit, is 64.
He played 64 games with the O’s in 1994 after a solid run with the Reds.
- Fred Valentine, who suited up for Baltimore in parts of three seasons (1959, 1963, and 1968), was born on this day in 1935.
He passed away in 2022.
The Orioles may be quiet for now, but the stove isn’t cold-it’s simmering. With key free agents still on the board and division rivals making moves, the pressure is on.
Baltimore has the pieces. Now it’s about making the right additions to turn potential into postseason power.