Orioles could end up being the quiet winners of MLBTR’s offseason trade list

This offseason is shaping up to be a very good winter for teams in need of a starting pitcher. No matter the offseason, that seems to be a universal need for the Baltimore Orioles. Not replacing Corbin Burnes last offseason set the stage for the disappointment that was the Orioles' 2025 season, and should lead to some urgency from Mike Elias this offseason. Especially since there is no one left to blame but him if things go wrong in 2026.

While there are some intriguing names at the top of the free-agent class--Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Ranger Suarez--Elias' urgency likely won't lead to a change in the Orioles' spending habits. The good news is that the trade market for starting pitchers has the impression of being stronger than the available options in free agency.

MLB Trade Rumors recently ran through their list of top 40 trade candidates this offseason, and the list is littered with starting pitching upgrades. MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals tops the list, along with other names in the top 10 such as Joe Ryan, Mitch Keller, Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, Freddy Peralta, and Sandy Alcantara.

Orioles have more trade connections than you’d think in MLBTR’s rankings

By Elias' own track record, trading for one season of Burnes, the Orioles should be a constant presence in trade rumors this offseason. All signs continue to point to Peralta as being the best option for the Orioles this winter. The Brewers and Orioles have a history of making this type of trade, and Peralta's $8MM salary for 2026 won't damage Baltimore's books.

Even beyond starting pitching options, there are a handful of position players who could make sense for Baltimore this offseason. JJ Bledlay of the Athletics or Alek Thomas of the Arizona Diamondbacks could be under-the-radar upgrades to the Orioles' outfield picture.

If the Orioles are willing to trade from their top-heavy farm system, they could be the true winners of the offseason. Hiring Craig Albernaz to be the team's new manager was an important first step for the Orioles' offseason, but the roster is begging for a splash. If that doesn't happen this season, it's fair to question the direction Elias had the organization headed in.