The offseason has proved that the Baltimore Orioles needed to create some distance from their miserable 2025 season. Baltimore has been among the most active teams this offseason. The Orioles have added Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Pete Alonso, and Shane Baz with a sense that they plan on contending in 2026.
But as the Orioles have turned over their roster, this offseason has provided a reminder that the rest of Major League Baseball may not be all that interested in their rejects. The Orioles had several free agents at the start of the offseason, and with the calendar getting ready to flip to 2026, many of them are still looking for a new team.
5 former Orioles still available in free agency as offseason reaches 2026
To be clear, this isn't a complete list of every player that has left the Orioles' organization via free agency. There are a handful of minor-league free agents looking for a new home. Simply, this looks at names Orioles fans might recognize and wonder why they are still on the market.
Zach Eflin, SP
2025 was a lost season for the 31-year-old starting pitcher. Eflin only made 14 starts with the Orioles, posting an ERA of 5.93. Eflin underwent back surgery in August that ended his season, and the recovery timeline is 4-8 months. It's no surprise that Eflin hasn't found a home yet, and honestly, he may not until after Opening Day. Once Eflin can prove that he is healthy, he figures to be an option for teams in need of starting pitching during the season.
Gary Sánchez, C
In what was a trend for the Orioles' 2025 season, Sánchez also finished the season on the IL. With Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman in place, it didn't make much sense for the Orioles to bring Sánchez back. If he's healthy, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see the veteran catcher land with a new team before spring training.
Tomoyuki Sugano, SP
Sugano expressed a desire to return to the Baltimore Orioles, but there was never a reason for Baltimore to make that a priority. The 36-year-old posted a 4.64 ERA in 157 innings pitched last season while striking out over 15% of the hitters he faced. Teams are always in need of pitching depth so if the door is closed in Baltimore, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sugano land a minor-league deal this offseason if he doesn't return to Japan.
Dylan Carlson, OF
Carlson only further lived up to his reputation of being a first-round bust during his only season in Baltimore. The 27-year-old outfielder posted a wRC+ of 74 last season in 241 plate appearances, and it's no surprise he elected free agency this offseason. A team is surely to take a gamble on Carlson this offseason, if nothing because they need outfield depth.
Jorge Mateo, IF/OF
An injury limited Mateo to only 43 games last season, and he was once an invaluable piece on Baltimore's bench. It made sense for the team to decline his club option. It wouldn't be a complete surprise if Mateo finds his way back to the Orioles' organization, but his versatility should lead to teams looking at him as a potential non-roster invite ahead of spring training.
