The Baltimore Orioles seem set to spend big during the current offseason. Team owner David Rubenstein previously hinted he is ready to splash the cash after purchasing the club nearly two years ago. His comments were initially taken with a grain of salt by many O’s fans. After all, team officials, including Rubenstein, have implied financial freedom before.
Nevertheless, the situation appears to be different this time around. It was reported on November 10 that multiple MLB sources claimed that Baltimore could be a wild card in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes. The soon-to-be former Chicago Cubs star is widely considered to be the top free agent of the offseason.
Along with Tucker, the Orioles are also being heavily linked with Framber Valdez. The Dominican veteran is the consensus number one starting pitcher in the market. Valdez is expected to receive contract offers in the $200 million range.
Mike Elias Vows to Fix Specific Problem with the Baltimore Orioles
GettyMike Elias is looking to take the Baltimore Orioles back to the postseason after a disappointing 2025.
Baltimore’s potential early aggression in the market was once again highlighted by The Athletic on November 13. The outlet reports that a rival team exec told them “it seems the only team willing to open the checkbook right now is Baltimore.”
On top of speculation, Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias has now made some bold admissions regarding the team’s plans. According to The Athletic, the exec claimed that Baltimore’s payroll is expected to balloon in the coming months. The team’s current payroll is drastically below their final figure for the 2025 campaign at $160 million.
Outside of just spending big, Elias pointed out a specific need for the team looking ahead. “Ideally, we’re going to acquire somebody who has closer experience, that’s good against righties and lefties,” said Elias. “There are a few teams (trying to do) that. Maybe there’s not enough to go around. But it’s at the top of our list.”
“We’re being very intentional in talking with those free agents and checking in on trade possibilities. I would really like to get that. Obviously, there are many ways to build a bullpen. It’s something teams and front offices can sort of do over the course of a season. But our preference is to land an experienced closer this winter.”
Elias Could get Creative in Improving O’s Roster
The exec’s comments will be music to the ears of Baltimore fans. After all, the Orioles compiled one of the worst bullpen ERAs (4.57) in all of baseball during the 2025 season. Their combined WHIP of 1.42 was also the highest figure in all of the American League. While the team has multiple needs, improving a dismal bullpen should be a priority for Elias and company.
Along with upgrading the roster via free agency and trades, Elias also hinted that he will be aggressive in other areas. This includes the willingness to potentially forfeit a draft pick to target a pitcher who rejects a qualifying offer from their current club. If so, it would be a deviation from the team’s previous strategy. Whether or not the Orioles can attract big stars is yet to be seen, but they will certainly be aggressive this winter.
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