Orioles ready to jump into a bidding war to fix a glaring weakness

With so much focus on the Baltimore Orioles starting rotation, it's easy to forget that the bullpen needs to be revamped this offseason as well. The Orioles already traded for reliever Andrew Kittredge, but the O's will need more than just one arm as they attempt to piece together a competent bullpen for the 2026 campaign.

With Felix Bautista likely out for the year due to injury, the Orioles need to focus on adding a top-flight closer this winter, and apparently, they're willing to chase some the biggest names on the open market in order to do so.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Orioles could factor heavily in the closer market. They're expected to face stiff competition from some of the big-market ball clubs like the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. But some small-market teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Arizona Diamondbacks are looking for relief help as well.

Orioles ready to jump into a bidding war for top closers like Edwin Diaz, Robert Suarez, and Devin Williams

Some of the top names available on the open market include Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks, Robert Suarez, and the crown jewel, Edwin Diaz. There's already been some early-offseason buzz that the relief market could provide onlookers with the first domino to fall this winter.

Diaz hasn't drawn a lot of attention from many teams outside of the New York Mets and is contract demands are likely a big reason why. The All-Star closer is said to be seeking a five-year deal worth over $100 million. While the O's would love to have Diaz in the fold, that number is far too steep for such a volatile position.

The other aforementioned relievers could come much cheaper. Williams could sign a pillow contract this offseason with hopes of regaining his All-Star form. The right-hander struggled during his lone season in the Big Apple. Fairbanks just hit the open market after the Tampa Bay Rays failed to exercise his team-option, and Suarez is predicted to land a three-year deal worth close to $50 million.

The Orioles front office will have to balance adding to both the starting rotation and the relief corps, but early indications signal that Baltimore will be involved on both fronts. Let the bidding begin.