Orioles offseason could hit another level if CBS Sports' prediction comes true

There's no award for winning the MLB offseason, but if there was, the Baltimore Orioles would be the undisputed champion. While other teams have made some savvy moves and blockbuster trades this winter, they all pale in comparison to what Mike Elias and the Orioles have done since the offseason began.

The O's front office jumpstarted their offseason by swinging a trade with the Los Angeles Angels for power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward. Baltimore then improved the backend of their bullpen by signing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal. The Orioles also secured a mid-rotation starter after trading for Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz.

The biggest move, however, came at the MLB Winter Meetings when the Orioles inked free agent slugger Pete Alonso to a massive five-year deal, and in doing so, announced that they were planning to be a contender in 2026.

CBS Sports' prediction would cap off a truly dominant offseason for the Orioles

But there's one move the Orioles have yet to make this offseason. They've yet to add a frontline starter. Sure, Baz lengthens the team's rotation depth, but the O's need an ace-level starter who can go toe-to-toe with the best arms in the American League.

CBS Sports' contributor R.J. Anderson still believes Baltimore is still poised to make such a move, and has the Orioles pegged as the most likely landing spot for free agent starter Framber Valdez. Anderson cites the O's need to pitching help and Valdez's ties to Elias as the two biggest factors for his prediction.

The former Houston Astros lefty has been linked to the O's all offseason, and while a deal has yet to be completed, there's reason to believe the two sides may be able to come to an agreement. Baltimore's payroll for 2026 is above what they committed to pay last season, but is still well below the first luxury tax threshold. As such, they wouldn't be penalized until they blew past $244 million — something that's extremely unlikely.

If CBS Sports' prediction comes true, it will cap off an unbelievable offseason for the Orioles. Baltimore plays in a division alongside the past two World Series competitors — the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees — but if they land Valdez, there's no reason why the O's should be considered underdogs in the AL East next season.