The Baltimore Orioles have endured a major setback this season. What began with hopes of competing for a championship has instead unraveled into one of the most disappointing campaigns in baseball. With a roster built around a wave of highly regarded young prospects, expectations were high, but the team never found its footing.
At 64-76, Baltimore has slipped far out of the playoff race and even shifted into sell mode at the trade deadline. Much of their regression can be traced to last winter, when the front office chose not to invest in key talent. As a result, the Orioles allowed both their ace, Corbin Burnes, and their most reliable power hitter, Anthony Santander, to leave in free agency. That decision gutted their roster and left glaring holes that have yet to be filled.
If the Orioles want their young core to realize its potential, they cannot repeat that mistake. The lineup may be stocked with talented prospects, but the team desperately needs established veterans to balance the roster. Free agency this offseason presents several opportunities to bring in the kind of players who could elevate Baltimore back into contention.
Dylan Cease
While the Orioles’ offense remains in strong shape, the pitching staff is another story. Even after parting with Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramón Laureano at the deadline, Baltimore’s position-player core is still loaded. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday—all former top-ranked prospects—project as cornerstone stars. Behind them, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, and Heston Kjerstad provide further depth, while recent call-ups like Coby Mayo, Dylan Beavers, and Samuel Basallo add even more promise to the mix.
The real weakness is on the mound, where the loss of Burnes left a gaping hole at the top of the rotation. Dylan Cease, widely considered the best starting pitcher set to hit free agency, could be the answer. San Diego held onto him at the deadline despite trade rumors, but the Padres may not be willing to meet his asking price long term. That creates an opening for Baltimore.
Cease has never been selected to an All-Star Game, but his track record speaks for itself: he has twice been a Cy Young finalist and is regarded as one of the premier arms in the league. The Orioles, plagued by injuries in their rotation, badly need a true No. 1 starter who can consistently win games and anchor the staff. Cease’s electric stuff would give them exactly that, while also sending a signal that Baltimore is serious about competing.
Devin Williams
The Orioles’ pitching problems are not limited to the rotation. Their bullpen has been hollowed out after trading away key relievers like Gregory Soto, Seranthony Domínguez, Bryan Baker, and Andrew Kittredge. Adding an impact arm or two to the relief corps will be critical, and Devin Williams could be the perfect place to start.
Currently with the Yankees, Williams has struggled this season, but his résumé is strong. Prior to this year, he posted three consecutive campaigns with an ERA under 2.00 and was considered among the very best relievers in all of baseball. He features one of the league’s most dominant fastballs and has the ability to pitch in multiple roles.
For Baltimore, Williams’ versatility would be invaluable. He could serve as a setup man or even a closer when necessary. That flexibility is especially important since Félix Bautista, the Orioles’ elite closer, has been hampered by frequent injuries. A healthy Bautista paired with a rejuvenated Williams would immediately make the back end of the bullpen one of the most dangerous in the league.
The Bigger Picture
Dylan Cease and Devin Williams are likely to be two of the most sought-after free agents this winter. Signing either—or both—would require Baltimore to step outside its usual conservative spending habits. Historically, the Orioles have been reluctant to hand out large contracts, but the time may have come for a shift in philosophy.
The young core has the talent to compete for championships, but without proven veterans to stabilize the pitching staff, that potential could go unrealized. If the Orioles truly want to get back on track, this offseason will be a defining moment.