Orioles plan to shed their budget reputation by spending big this winter

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to move on from their poor 2025 season results and focus on the future. They hired Craig Albernaz as the team's newest manager, and some are excited about what he brings to the table. 

However, he has his work cut out for him as Baltimore enters the winter months. They have a clear need to bolster their rotation, their bullpen, and need another impactful bat or two. 

The Orioles are not known to be a team like the New York Yankees that is not afraid to throw out big-time contracts to acquire star players. Their biggest free agent contract was back in 2016, and it was a 7-year, $161 million deal for Chris Davis, but that could all change this winter. 

Orioles plan to shed their budget reputation by spending big this winter

Playing in the AL East, the Orioles need all the help they can get. The Yankees and Boston Red Sox are a consistent divisional title threat with the way they dish out money during the offseason, but Baltimore plans to take a page out of their book. 

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Baltimore is planning to empty their pockets this offseason. 

"The Baltimore Orioles plan to spend money, just like the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta [Braves] and Yankees."

Baltimore has been linked to some of the top starting pitchers on the market, like Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez, which would all be great additions. They have also been linked to a top high-leverage arm to help stabilize the bullpen, like Robert Suarez or Ryan Helsley. 

The Orioles could also use an impactful corner outfielder, like a Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger. 

So, if Baltimore wants to fill their holes and come out as a contender in 2026, they will certainly have to spend like they have never spent before. 

More MLB news:

• Yankees emerge as one of the favorites to sign three-time NPB All-Star
• Padres emerge as one of the leading candidates to sign Japanese star pitcher
• Padres among a handful of teams gauging the catching market
• Astros go into the offseason looking to improve depth at catcher
• Padres expected to aggressively pursue top free agent starting pitchers