Shocking Brewers decision makes Orioles’ offseason next step painfully obvious

The Baltimore Orioles managed to find their impact bat by trading for Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels, but in doing so, sacrificed some high-ceiling pitching depth by giving away Grayson Rodriguez. The right-hander's departure only cemented the glaring need the Orioles have for pitching this offseason, and their answer could be currently with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Brandon Woodruff accepted the Milwaukee Brewers' qualifying offer on Tuesday, returning to Milwaukee with a $22.025 million price tag for the 2026 season. Considering Woodruff has only made 23 starts over the last two seasons, it was no surprise that he took the qualifying offer; the surprise remains with the fact that the Brewers extended one to begin with. A decision that could push Milwaukee closer to trading Freddy Peralta this offseason.

While the Brewers have been quick to suggest that Woodruff's return doesn't clear the way for a trade of Peralta, the table has been set. The Brewers have a healthy amount of arms in their farm system, and with Peralta entering his final season before free agency, trading him would be following the blueprint Milwaukee had with Devin Williams, Corbin Burnes, and Josh Hader.

Brandon Woodruff returning to the Milwaukee Brewers may push the Baltimore Orioles closer to their top target.

Of course, it was the Orioles who benefited from the Brewers wanting to trade Burnes a year before his free agency. With Peralta only making $8 million, there wouldn't be a financial burden for the Orioles, and they have the prospect capital to pull off the trade with Milwaukee. In fact, Ward's arrival may have unlocked some additional trade candidates for the Orioles.

The trade for Ward could also reveal that the Orioles prefer to do their heavy lifting through the trade market this offseason. The Orioles had been linked to Pete Alonso and Cody Bellinger in recent weeks, but opted to give up Rodriguez for a cheaper option in Ward.

Rather than pay a premium for one of the top free-agent starting pitchers, the Orioles may prefer to part with prospects for a cost-controlled starter.