Despite a difficult 2025 season, the Baltimore Orioles possess a foundational core that could position them for a swift return to contention. With key players like Samuel Basallo, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman, General Manager Mike Elias reportedly believes a quick turnaround is achievable. This optimism is shared across the league, as rival executives have advised against a complete roster reset, even after the team’s aggressive sell-off at the trade deadline.
“The Orioles are still in great shape organizationally,” a National League executive told MLB Network. “They have talent at the Major League level and a deep farm system. They do need to improve their defense and continue to stockpile pitching depth; if they can do that, they should be right back in postseason contention next year.”
However, this situation echoes concerns from the previous offseason. The Orioles entered the 2025 season with a formidable group of position players but significant questions surrounding their pitching staff. The front office made no major moves to replace ace Corbin Burnes, leading to questions about whether the organization has learned from its past inaction.
Last winter, the team’s strategy appeared to hinge on the full-strength return of Grayson Rodriguez to the rotation. That plan was derailed by a late spring training injury, and a recent elbow surgery will sideline him until the 2026 season.
For the Orioles to successfully rebound, the front office must address its starting rotation this offseason without factoring Rodriguez into its immediate plans. Acquiring a top-tier arm like Dylan Cease or Framber Valdez would signal a commitment to contention and position the Orioles as a prime candidate for the biggest turnaround in 2026.
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