5 dream free agents the Orioles should target this offseason

With the Orioles sputtering towards the finish line like a boat without a rudder, fans cannot help but look forward to much-needed reinforcements that David Rubenstein and Mike Elias will need to add during the off-season. Yes, the Orioles are battling significant injuries across the diamond. However, as the embarrassing 10-0 home loss to the Giants on Tuesday showed, the Orioles, who have now lost 8 of 10, need to target both offense and pitching this offseason.

Here are five free agents the Orioles should target to avoid the recent nosedive the 2024 season has taken.

5. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP, Houston Astros

While the Orioles will have Grayson Rodriguez back next season to form a solid 1-2 punch with Zach Eflin, they are unlikely to retain ace Corbin Burnes, whose late-season struggles have called a long-term contract into question. With Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells out for at least the beginning of next season, the Orioles will need at least one more dependable starter to plug in after Eflin and Rodriguez.

That could come in the form of Japanese lefty Yusei Kikuchi. With the Great Wall of Baltimore in left field, the Orioles would be wise to add another lefty to the rotation and Kikuchi's plus-stuff (he has averaged over one strikeout per inning since 2021) would play well in Baltimore. Kikuchi signed with the Jays in 2022 for 3 years $36M and will likely command another three-year deal that would take him through his age-36 season.

Contract Prediction: 3 years, $54M