Orioles waste no time finding new All-Star target after Kyle Schwarber miss

Kyle Schwarber is back with the Philadelphia Phillies, agreeing to a five-year deal worth $150 million, a move that may just open up the floodgates at the Winter Meetings. While not as prevalent as the Pittsburgh Pirates (yes, those Pirates) and the Cincinnati Reds, the Baltimore Orioles were involved in Schwarber's sweepstakes and have already pivoted to another All-Star bat.

The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka did confirm that the Orioles were in on Schwarber, but in the immediate aftermath, they have pivoted their efforts toward free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso. While there certainly is an argument that the Orioles could stand to use another impact bat at their starting lineup, especially at first base, one has to question if Mike Elias is genuinely allergic to adding a starting pitcher.

Despite entering the offseason where adding to the rotation was the stated priority, Elias has seemingly gone out of his way to do so. In fact, he traded from the Orioles' pitching depth to land Taylor Ward from the Angels. No, Grayson Rodriguez shouldn't have been counted in 2026, but he was depth if nothing else.

Orioles pivoting their Winter Meetings' efforts to free-agent slugger Pete Alonso while ignoring their pitching needs

Coming off a season where he hit 38 home runs with the Mets while posting a 141 wRC+, Alonso should be in line for the long-term deal that alluded him last offseason. Between first base and designated hitter, the Orioles could easily slide Alonso in their starting lineup, and his arrival would address the lack of power that was on display throughout last season.

If the Orioles had already traded for a cost-controlled starting pitcher, there wouldn't be a reason to bat an eye at their interest in Alonso. With that need remaining unchecked, it feels like the Orioles are setting themselves up for failure by focusing on Alonso while ignoring what was their top need heading into the winter.

The Orioles have already missed out on Dylan Cease, but Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, and Ranger Suarez all remain available. Their Winter Meetings would be better spent trying to add one of those pitchers, instead of focusing on a bat like Alonso.