The Baltimore Orioles‘ 2025 campaign came to a merciful end over the weekend. It concluded what was a very disappointing
The Baltimore Orioles‘ 2025 campaign came to a merciful end over the weekend. It concluded what was a very disappointing 75-87 after their campaign began with hopes of taking another step forward after two straight trips to the postseason.
After a last-place finish, changes are surely coming to the roster. The area of most need is their pitching staff. But will the conservative Orioles make the bold moves necessary to bolster the staff this offseason? On Wednesday, Orioles President admitted in a new interview that spending big for a star pitcher in free agency won’t be “off the table” this winter.
So if Baltimore and their billionaire owner are willing to shell out big bucks for a star pitcher on the open market, who could they target? We take a look at five players who could be on their wishlist.
Michael King
Over the last four seasons, former New York Yankees prospect Michael King has shown he has top-of-the-rotation talent. He has a mutual option with the San Diego Padres this offseason, but is sure to pass on it to get a big pay raise in MLB free agency. King is right in the middle of his prime and has pitched well in multiple seasons under the New York spotlight. Bringing him back to the East Coast to torture his former team would be a fun plus for the O’s.
- Michael King stats: 5-3 W-L, 3.44 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 76 SO, 26 BB, 73.1 IP
Edwin Diaz
New York Mets close Edwin Diaz proved once again in 2025 why he is one of the games best 9th inning talents. The three-time All-Star has an opt-out in his contract this winter. While he is the highest paid closer in the game, hitting free agency after a huge season makes sense. Baltimore will have to pay big to get him, but with that spot wide open in 2026 and the franchise always having issues there, the Orioles should consider a hard push for Diaz.
- Edwin Diaz stats: 48 S, 1.63 ERA, 0.874 WHIP, 98 SO, 21 BB, 66.1 IP
Framber Valdes
Two-time All-Star Framber Valdez is one of the best pitchers available in free agency this offseason. Over his eight year career, he has consistenly proven he is a high impact talent that can be a No. 2 starter in most rotations around the game. After an awkward incident where he seemingly through at catcher Cesar Salazar, the Houston Astros might be willing to let their homegrown star walk, and other teams around MLB may be hesitant to sign him. Which could help Baltimore sign him for a fair rate.
Framber Valdez stats: 13-11 W-L, 3.66 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, 187 SO, 68 BB, 192.0 IP
Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease has never been an All-Star, but he is a legitimate front-line starter in the big leagues. The big issue with the one-time Cy Young contender is his inconsistency. However, maybe that benefits Baltimore, and after a down year in 2025, they get him on the come-up next season. He will surely have a high asking price, but he won’t be looking for money that makes him one of the highest-paid pitchers in the game.
- Dylan Cease stats: 8-12 W-L, 4.55 ERA, 1.327 WHIP, 215 SO, 71 BB, 168.0 IP
Ryan Helsley
In the 2024 season Ryan Helsley proved he can be an elite closer when he posted 49 saves for the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he was a disaster for the Mets after this year’s trade deadline. It means there is certainly risk in signing him this offseason. However, that bad close to 2025 might have been an anomaly and the O’s could get an All-Star level closer for an affordable rate. Baltimore should have the two-time All-Star on their wish list despite the terrible finish because of the need they have at closer next season.
- Ryan Helsley stats: 21 S, 4.50 ERA, 1.536 WHIP, 63 SO, 25 BB, 56.0 IP
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