One team that has already made a big splash this winter in free agency is the Baltimore Orioles. At the MLB Winter Meetings, they outbid the Boston Red Sox and other teams for former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
After years of watching the Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays spend money, they are looking to do so this winter. So far, they have.
Now that they have Alonso for the middle of the order, they need to add some arms for the starting rotation if they are going to compete in the American League East. They have been linked to Michael King, but recent reports have indicated that they’ll have to outbid the Yankees and Red Sox. Easier said than done.
Looking to add a major arm, Baltimore was predicted to land one of the top remaining free agent pitchers.
Orioles Predicted to Land Ranger Suárez in Free Agency
Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted the best-matched homes for some of the top remaining free agents. He had the Orioles as the top landing spot for former Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez. He also listed the Phillies and Houston Astros as landing spots.
“I get the impression the Phillies aren’t going to offer what it will take to retain Suárez, especially now that they committed $150 million to Kyle Schwarber,” Bowden wrote.
Retaining Kyle Schwarber was at the top of Dave Dombrowski’s to-do list this offseason, and he accomplished that early last week at the Winter Meetings. That doesn’t close the door on Suárez returning to the Phillies, but it makes it very difficult. Thus, enter the Orioles, according to Bowden.
“No team needs a starter more than the Orioles. Suárez has low mileage on his arm in terms of career innings pitched, and his incredible off-speed offerings make him a solid fit with the O’s. The Astros are trying to replace Valdez in their rotation, and I think Suárez might be a good fit there, as well, since he’s likely to command a shorter commitment than Valdez, and Houston prefers shorter-term contracts for starters. A return to Philly would work if it has the dough to allocate to him,” Bowden wrote.
There is no doubt that Baltimore needs pitching. Whether it’s King or Suárez, they need to add an impactful arm. Going all-in on one of those two or Framber Valdez of the Astros makes sense.
Baltimore Needs Ranger Suárez
To say that the Orioles need Suárez would be a major understatement. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicted in November that he would get a five-year, $115 million contract. That would be a great deal for the Orioles.
However, as Bowden mentioned, Suárez might be willing to sign a short-term deal. The 30-year-old won 12 games for the Phillies for the second year in a row in 2025. He had a 3.20 ERA in 157.1 innings pitched with 151 strikeouts and just 38 walks. He had a 4.7 WAR.
When the dust settles this offseason, the Orioles need to have added a starting pitcher. Whether it’s Suárez, King, or Valdez, if they want to compete with the rest of the AL East, they need to strengthen their rotation.
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