The Orioles' most pressing offseason needs

This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

BALTIMORE -- The General Managers Meetings are currently taking place in Las Vegas, where baseball executives and agents have all descended upon the Aria Resort & Casino.

This event is where the groundwork gets laid for the offseason. GMs and presidents of baseball operations begin to discuss potential trades. Agents meet with clubs regarding free agents, who can now negotiate deals and sign contracts.

Members of the Orioles’ front office will be holding discussions and meetings in suites for several days. Their group, of course, includes POBO Mike Elias, who has been at the helm since November 2018. But it also features new GM Jared Banner, who was hired to work alongside Elias on Oct. 19.

With the GM Meetings underway, here’s a refresher of Baltimore’s biggest needs this offseason.

1. Starting pitching
Isn’t this the case every year? No team can acquire too much starting pitching, and the O’s have vacancies to fill in their rotation, with Trevor Rogers, Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin hitting the free-agent market.

Two weeks ago, Elias said starting pitching was “absolutely on the menu” for the Orioles’ offseason. That wasn’t a surprise. The staff is anchored by right-handers Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz -- and breakout righty Brandon Young is a front-runner for a spot in 2027 -- but there is uncertainty beyond that.

Rogers will likely decline his $23.15 million qualifying offer, but it’s plausible the 28-year-old left-hander could work out a deal to return to Baltimore, where he’s greatly enjoyed playing.

Whether Rogers returns or not, the O’s could use another top-of-the-rotation arm. The free-agent market for starters is a bit thin -- outside of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal -- so it’s possible the Orioles will need to explore the trade market to fill this need.

2. An outfield bat

As things stand, Baltimore’s starting outfield would feature Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill. While Cowser and Beavers remain promising young players with plenty of potential, O’Neill has largely underperformed since signing a three-year, $49.5 million deal prior to the 2025 season.

The depth beyond that trio isn’t great. Christian Franklin, Rece Hinds and Reed Trimble are on the 40-man roster, though none of those three are likely to be on the club’s 2027 Opening Day roster. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (the Orioles’ No. 18 prospect per MLB Pipeline and ‘23 first-round Draft pick), however, could be an option to reach the big leagues for the first time next year.

Still, the O’s need another potent bat, and it’s quite clear this is a group where one could fit. The free-agent outfield market is headlined by Seiya Suzuki, Randy Arozarena and Ian Happ, so if Baltimore is willing to spend a bit, one of those players could be a great addition.

The Orioles’ lineup skews a bit left-handed, with Beavers, Cowser, Gunnar Henderson, Samuel Basallo and Jackson Holliday all batting from that side of the plate. A righty bat such as Suzuki or Arozarena (or a switch-hitter like Happ) would help balance the offensive attack.

3. Bullpen arms

Much like starting pitching, MLB teams can never have enough bullpen depth, especially considering the volatility of relievers from year to year. So the O’s should be exploring this market as well during the offseason.

Right-handers Félix Bautista and Ryan Helsley are set to anchor the back end of Baltimore’s bullpen, along with fellow righty Yennier Cano. There are also some other intriguing arms in the existing mix, such as righties Rico Garcia, Alex Hoppe and Cam Sanders and lefties Josh Walker and Grant Wolfram.

But the Orioles could use a proven high-leverage arm to complement Bautista and Helsley, particularly one who throws left-handed. A top southpaw reliever could take what should be a solid unit to another level next season.

The most natural fit would be free-agent lefty Adrian Morejon, a 2025 All-Star who has recorded a 2.58 ERA in 211 appearances for the Padres over the past three seasons. But the 27-year-old is the top reliever on the market, so Baltimore would likely need to be willing to spend a substantial amount in order to land him.