The Baltimore Orioles have made it clear this offseason: they’re not sitting back. With a flurry of moves already in the books, they've positioned themselves as one of the most aggressive teams in the market.
The headliner, of course, is Pete Alonso. The Orioles handed the slugger a $155 million deal, betting big on his power to anchor the middle of their lineup.
It’s a bold move-one that signals a shift in Baltimore’s approach, but also reshapes what they can realistically do with the rest of their roster.
Alonso brings thunder to a lineup that already has some pop, and his presence changes the complexion of the offense instantly. But as with any major contract, there’s a ripple effect. That $155 million commitment doesn’t just add home runs-it also tightens the financial flexibility for other needs, most notably in the starting rotation.
Baltimore still has a glaring need on the mound, and there’s no shortage of options available in free agency. But the top-tier arms come with top-tier price tags.
One of the most coveted names still on the board is left-hander Framber Valdez, formerly of the Houston Astros. Valdez has been a rock in the rotation for years, boasting a 3.36 career ERA and a reputation as a workhorse who thrives in big moments.
He’d be a dream fit for a team looking to solidify its playoff aspirations.
But here’s where things get tricky. According to projections, Valdez could command a deal in the neighborhood of $168 million over six years.
That’s a steep ask for a team whose payroll still sits about $22 million below the $160 million threshold for 2025. In theory, the Orioles could stretch for Valdez-but in practice, it’s looking more and more like they’ll pivot to more affordable arms.
That’s where names like Ranger Suárez and Michael King come into the picture. They’re not at Valdez’s level in terms of track record, but both bring intriguing upside-and at a much lower cost.
Suárez is a lefty who doesn’t light up the radar gun, but he’s been nails in the postseason and knows how to pitch under pressure. He’s the kind of guy who can give you quality innings and keep hitters off balance with command and deception.
King, on the other hand, has flashed frontline potential as a right-hander with swing-and-miss stuff, though his 2025 season was hampered by injuries. He’s a bit of a gamble, but one that could pay off in a big way if he stays healthy.
Neither pitcher carries the same level of certainty as Valdez, but both offer value and flexibility. And in today’s game, sometimes depth and upside can outweigh the allure of a single ace-especially when you’ve already made a $155 million splash at first base.
So while the Orioles may not be the frontrunners for Valdez-who’s been linked to the Cubs in recent predictions-they’re still very much in play to upgrade their rotation. The front office has shown it’s willing to spend, but also that it’s going to be strategic about where that money goes next.
The Alonso signing was a statement. Now, the next move will be about balance-finding the right arms to support that revamped lineup without breaking the bank.
And if they can land a Suárez or a King at the right price? That could be the kind of under-the-radar move that makes a real difference come October.