Orioles’ pursuit of an ace comes with one unavoidable cost (and it's not money)

Sadly, fans of the Baltimore Orioles have already turned their attention to the offseason. Frankly, they did that back in July. But with the MLB regular season winding down and the O's hopelessly out of the playoff race, all eyes are fixed on how to make this club better heading into 2026.

Most Orioles fans are confident that the lineup will bounce back next season, but the same cannot be said for the pitching staff. While the Orioles may have discovered something special in Trevor Rogers, and there's hope that Dean Kremer could be a solid middle-of-the-rotation option moving forward, Baltimore needs an ace.

Unfortunately, frontline starters don't grow on trees, and if Baltimore is going to look to upgrade their rotation next season, it's going to be costly. Money, however, won't be the only thing Baltimore must give up this winter if they hope to lure a top-of-the-rotation starter to Charm City.

Orioles’ pursuit of an ace will cost them a top prospect or a coveted draft pick

There's essentially two ways the Orioles can add a top-flight pitcher this offseason — though a trade or free agency. Given the O's depth in the farm system and relutance to spend money, the former seems more more likely than the latter.

There'll be no shortage of arms available in trade talks this offseason. Miami Marlins starters Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara could be on the move, and so could Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo. If Baltimore looks to find a starter entering his final year of his contract, pitchers like Fredy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers) or Michael King (San Diego Padres) could be on their radar.

As for the free agent market, if the O's want to make splash and sign one of Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, or Framber Valdez, it's likely to cost them a draft pick. Why? Because all three of those pitchers are likely to have a qualifying offer attached to their signing, meaning Baltimore would have to surrender draft compensation in order sign one of the elite arms available this offseason.

Neither option is exactly what Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias would prefer, but that's the cost of doing business. Baltimore could always go shopping at the bargain bin during free agency, but pitchers like Nestor Cortes, Aaron Civale, and Mile Mikolas aren't going to move the needle.

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