Orioles linked to Tigers starting pitcher if he decides to opt out

The Baltimore Orioles will go into the offseason looking to make some changes. They finished the season at the bottom of the AL East after making the postseason the last two years. 

One major change the club will make is at manager. Baltimore fired Brandon Hyde back in May after the team's abysmal start to the season. 

However, that is not the only change that will happen. The team has some glaring weaknesses that need to be filled if they expect to keep up with the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. 

Orioles linked to Tigers starting pitcher if he decides to opt out

One area the team could use an upgrade in is their starting pitching. Baltimore finished near the bottom in terms of team ERA, and they need a frontline starter they can depend on. 

There will be tons of free-agent pitchers looking for a new home in 2026. But one name that MLB's Mark Feinsand believes is a great fit is Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty. 

The tough part of this is that Flaherty will need to opt out of his contract to be a free agent in order for Baltimore to sign him. He has a $20 million option for the 2026 season that he has yet to decide on. 

Fans may not be impressed with his 8-15 record with a 4.64 ERA in 2025, but he still can be a frontline starter and someone the team can depend on. Perhaps a change of scenery could be enough to get him back to being the dominant pitcher he was in years past. 

More Orioles news:

• Orioles viewed as potential fit to land former Athletics pitcher in free agency
• Orioles-Marlins trade rumor sends Sandy Alcantara to Baltimore
• Cardinals' Sonny Gray linked to Mets, Orioles in recent trade rumors
• Orioles-Reds trade rumor sends ace Hunter Greene to Baltimore
• Brewers' Freddy Peralta linked to four AL contenders in trade discussions as offseason approaches