Orioles scrambling for options after losing Dylan Cease to AL East rival

Free agent pitcher Dylan Cease was thought to be one of the most sought-after names on the Baltimore Orioles' wishlist this offseason. Unfortunately, the coveted right-hander signed a massive contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night and is no longer on the free agent market.

Cease's eye-popping seven-year, $210 million with the Jays is certainly unwelcome news for Mike Elias and the Orioles front office, as they now have to pivot to others targets as they look to upgrade the starting rotation.

Cease was arguably the best arm available this offseason, and was easily the best right-handed starter. After beginning his career with the Chicago White Sox, Cease spent the past two seasons with the San Diego Padres and has proven to be one of the most durable and consistent starting pitchers in the league for the past several seasons.

With Cease now off the board, Elias and Co. will have to regroup and change their plan of attack. Cease may have been the crown jewel of this offseason in terms of starting pitchers, but there are others who can help solidify Baltimore's rotation.

Orioles scrambling for options after losing Dylan Cease signs with the Blue Jays

For starters, the Orioles could now direct their full focus at left-handed starter Framber Valdez. The former Houston Astros ace is now the top arm available and will likely be looking to ink a deal similar to the one that Cease just signed with the Blue Jays.

Ranger Suarez, one of the most underrated starters for the past several seasons, is also available. While he's still a frontline starters, it's doubtful that the former Philadelphia Phillies hurler will be able to match Cease's deal. MLB Trade Rumors estimates Suarez could sign a five-year deal worth $115 million.

Cease's former teammate, Michael King, is also available this offseason. A former reliever, King represents a bit of a gamble, but with the Blue Jays striking quickly this offseason, Elias and Co. cannot afford to sit on their hands for very long.

Baltimore has already added outfielder Taylor Ward and are said to be keeping a watchful eye on the market's top slugger Kyle Tucker. But it's time for the Orioles to hone in on a front-of-the-rotation starter before it's too late.