Former GM floats laughable Orioles spending plan fans won’t buy for a second

The Baltimore Orioles have crossed off the most important item on their offseason to-do list, hiring Craig Albernaz to be their next manager. Albernaz may not have been the most popular candidate for the opening, see Ryan Flaherty, but his background would suggest that he is an ideal fit for an Orioles' roster littered with young stars in need of a new voice of influence.

The hiring of Albernaz, at least initially, also suggests that the Orioles are banking on their return to contention being through internal progression instead of an offseason that sees Mike Elias finally act with urgency.

Acting with urgency seems to be what former MLB general manager Jim Bowden is begging the Orioles to do. Bowden dropped his massive free agency preview for The Athletic, listing potential fits and contract projections for the top 50 free agents. It's your stereotypical speculation piece for October, when the offseason hasn't fully started, but Bowden's name still carries weight--for comedic purposes, and every now and then, baseball reasons.

The Orioles need upgrades throughout their pitching staff, and Bowden makes sure fans are aware of that fact. In the piece, the Orioles get mentioned as a potential fit for the following pitchers: Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Dylan Cease, Tatsuya Imai, Zac Gallen, Michael King, and Shane Bieber, among other connections. In short, if there is a pitcher who is a free agent, Bowden checks the Orioles' box.

Ex-GM thinks Orioles can win big with spending (adorable)

It's not the type of innovative thinking that is going to get Bowden another shot at a GM job, but at least he has the elementary awareness of how to read a room. The Orioles need pitching, but Bowden's speculation seems to leave out one key detail: Elias' front office hasn't been willing to spend top dollar on pitches in the offseason (or, actually, ever).

Of all the names mentioned, Bieber or Gallen may be the most realistic options, assuming money is going to be an issue. Gallen struggled in 2025 and will have a qualifying offer attached to his free agency, which could limit his market. Bieber, meanwhile, is part of the Toronto Blue Jays' World Series rotation, but 2026 will be his first full season since returning from Tommy John surgery. Each has a pedigree, but may not get a contract that resets the starting pitching market.

In other words, the perfect addition for a team that took the easy (and cheaper) route with their managerial hire.