The Baltimore Orioles are entering the offseason at a crossroads following a disappointing campaign that left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s direction. After finishing last in the American League East with a 75-87 record, the Orioles not only missed the postseason but also exposed several deep-rooted weaknesses that must be addressed if they hope to rebound next year.
The front office faces numerous uncertainties heading into the winter. Perhaps the most pressing revolves around the managerial position. In May, after a dismal 15-28 start, Baltimore made the decision to part ways with manager Brandon Hyde, ending a tenure that had seen both flashes of progress and stretches of regression. Since then, the team has operated without a permanent leader, leaving fans to wonder who will be entrusted with guiding a young but talented roster into the future.
However, the managerial question is far from the only issue at hand. The Orioles’ starting rotation has also emerged as a glaring concern. Injuries have plagued key arms, including promising right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, whose health remains uncertain heading into spring training. Beyond him, much of the rotation consists of inexperienced prospects and pitchers who might fit better as depth pieces or back-end starters on more competitive teams. That lack of established, durable starting talent has made pitching one of the club’s top offseason priorities.
The Orioles are widely expected to be active in pursuing upgrades, with the goal of adding at least one or two legitimate starting pitchers to stabilize the staff. Fortunately for Baltimore, the upcoming offseason market offers several intriguing options — both in free agency and via trade — that could provide the high-impact arm they desperately need.
Recently, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden highlighted a potential blockbuster path for the Orioles in his list of players who could be available once the offseason begins. Among the names generating buzz is Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene, a hard-throwing right-hander who could instantly transform Baltimore’s rotation. Bowden wrote, “One thing I do know, if they want to trade him, the Reds could get a huge return with the amount of years remaining, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Orioles, and San Francisco Giants are likely to be interested.”
Greene’s appeal stems not only from his electric stuff — a fastball that regularly touches triple digits — but also from his contractual situation. After signing a long-term extension with Cincinnati in 2023, the 25-year-old remains under team control through the 2029 season. That kind of stability and affordability makes him one of the most valuable potential trade chips in baseball, and any team that lands him would be acquiring both present talent and future security.
For the Orioles, such a move would represent a bold statement of intent. To pull off a trade for Greene, Baltimore would need to assemble a substantial package of prospects and possibly young major-league talent, given the Reds’ leverage and Greene’s long-term control. Yet, if they were to succeed, Greene could instantly slot in as the unquestioned ace of the staff — a foundation piece around whom the next competitive window could be built.
As Baltimore weighs its options, the front office faces a pivotal decision. Whether through a blockbuster trade or key free-agent additions, the Orioles must address their rotation issues and find stable leadership both on the mound and in the dugout. The outcome of this offseason could determine not just their immediate fortunes, but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.