Jeff Passan just outlined the Orioles move Mike Elias can’t afford to ignore

It didn't take ESPN's Jeff Passan to say it for Baltimore Orioles fans to realize the team needs pitching (and lots of it) this offseason . Watching the Orioles stumble their way through a 75-win season in 2025 was confirmation of just how silly it was for Mike Elias not to replace former ace Corbin Burnes in the starting rotation. The Orioles are talking a big game this offseason, suggesting they have the money to spend, and Passan believes they'll prove it.

In typical Passan-fashion, he vividly illustrates what the Orioles were last season and what they need while pitching the "perfect" move for their offseason. As far as the MLB insider is concerned, that move for the Orioles to make this offseason is to sign Dylan Cease.

Jeff Passan's maps out the move the Baltimore Orioles have to make, and it's far from a surprise

It may sound simple, but all Elias needs to do is point at one of the top free-agent starting pitchers available, and sign them. Obviously easier said than done, considering the premium contending teams are willing to pay for pitching, but the obvious is exactly what the Orioles have avoided under Elias' watch.

Had Elias done the obvious last offseason and replaced Burnes, chances are, every MLB insider wouldn't be wasting space in their offseason predictions talking about how the Orioles need to find a starting pitcher.

As long as we're here, yes, Cease is a clear answer for what the Orioles are looking for this offseason. In each of the last five years, Cease has made at least 30 starts while totaling at least 210 strikeouts. Add in the fact that Cease is younger than Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez, and his arrival would make sense for an Orioles team that just hired a first-year manager.

Signing Cease would also break a trend for Elias' front office, who have only signed one free agent to a multi-year deal during their watch. Sure, O'Neill's contract may not age well, but that shouldn't scare the Orioles away from the top of the free-agent market this year.