So far this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays are sending a message to the rest of the American League East and baseball: we’re ready to spend. Coming up one win short of winning the World Series has clearly driven the front office to spend more money to get over the hump in 2026.
They signed Dylan Cease in free agency to strengthen their already loaded rotation. To compete with not only the Blue Jays but also the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, the Orioles needed to make some big moves.
Their first happened at the MLB Winter Meetings last week. Baltimore agreed to a contract with power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. They beat out Boston for him, which was big.
The Orioles’ work this offseason is far from done. They would like to add to their rotation. According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox, Orioles, and Yankees are in the mix for right-hander Michael King. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic gave a grim outlook for Baltimore.
Orioles Get Bad News on Michael King’s Free Agency
King is one of the remaining highly sought-after pitchers this winter in free agency. Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros is the other. Baltimore has also been linked to him. Rosenthal joined the “Fair Territory” podcast and had a grim outlook for Baltimore in terms of getting King.
“I would expect that the Orioles are really going to have to outbid the Yankees and Red Sox to get Michael King,” Rosenthal said.” “I know what they’ve done is really … but they’re still not a team that necessarily is going to be considered, by Michael King at least, the way the Yankees and Red Sox are.”
King was traded by the Yankees to the San Diego Padres in December of 2023. That was the deal that sent Juan Soto to the Bronx. He has since moved on in free agency to the Mets. Now, New York is looking to get him back, this time in free agency. Yankees manager Aaron Boone knows what to expect from King.
As far as the Red Sox go, will they lose out on two free agents in one offseason to the Orioles? Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow would have some explaining to do if it happened. Being outbid by the Yankees is one thing, but twice in one winter by Baltimore?
Baltimore Looking to Spend Big This Offseason
The Orioles are looking to spend and spend big this offseason. Alonso is a sign of that. King would be a big addition to their rotation, but it sounds like they are his third option if you listen to Rosenthal.
According to Major League Baseball Trade Rumors, King is projected to get a four-year, $80 million contract this offseason. There is also the possibility that he takes a shorter deal, given his recent injury history.
Baltimore would like to add either King or Valdez this offseason. King would be the cheaper option, but with the Yankees and Red Sox in the mix, it creates obstacles. Another pitcher is a must if the Orioles are going to contend in 2026.
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