Orioles offseason gets expert’s massive seal of approval, but with one massive caveat

Spring Training is a little over a month away, but there's no question that the Baltimore Orioles have won the offseason. They talked a big game heading into the winter--stating their need for pitching with their intent to spend heavily--and they've followed through. Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, and Pete Alonso headline the new additions for Baltimore.

Along those lines, it's no surprise that The Athletic's (subscription required) Jim Bowden has the Orioles as the most improved team of the offseason. Considering the Orioles have been the most aggressive team of the offseason, it's an easy connection to make.

Orioles undoubtedly improved their roster, but there is one thing they have yet to address.

The former MLB general manager ends his insight into the Orioles with the desire for them to add a frontline starting pitcher, and then they would solidify their impression of being a postseason contender this year.

There's no doubt that the Orioles took a big swing when they traded for Baz. As a former first-round pick, the 26-year-old has an electric arm, but at this stage of his career, he's more of a project than he is an established option that can be slotted in behind Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.

The Orioles also brought back Zach Eflin in a move that reads as them looking for stability at the backend of the rotation.

The hope is that Mike Elias and Co. aren't comfortable with the moves they've made this offseason. In what has become a trend for Major League Baseball, we've reached January, and there are several talented players still available on the free-agent market. Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen could all be options for Baltimore if they look to add one more arm to their rotation.

Assuming prices for those three fall in the coming weeks, the opportunity will be there for the Orioles to strike. If not, there's also the trade market. Even after the move for Baz, the Orioles still have the farm system to pull off a trade for Edward Cabrera. Especially since the current offer from the New York Yankees can easily be beaten.

It's been a good offseason for the Orioles, but they remain a step away from it being a great offseason. Now is the time for them to leave nothing to chance and make that final aggressive move as they turn the page from a miserable 2025.