The Baltimore Orioles are entering the offseason with a clear goal: to add an impact bat to their lineup, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. According to Kubatko, the outfield is the most likely area for an upgrade, as Baltimore remains largely set at catcher and across the infield.
Following a disappointing 2025 campaign in which they finished 75–87 and last in the American League East, the Orioles are looking to bounce back after consecutive playoff appearances in the previous two seasons. While the rotation’s inconsistency played a major role in their struggles, the offense also faltered — the club collectively slashed .235/.305/.394, producing a 96 wRC+, which ranked in the bottom third of the majors.
Outfield Overhaul
The outfield appears to be the prime area for reinforcement. Cedric Mullins, Ramón Laureano, and Ryan O’Hearn were all dealt at the trade deadline, and the club is expected to decline Jorge Mateo’s $5.5 million option. That leaves Baltimore with a group that includes Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, Heston Kjerstad, Dylan Beavers, and Jeremiah Jackson.
Cowser assumed the center field role after Mullins was traded, showing decent defense but struggling at the plate. Injuries — including a fractured thumb and broken ribs — limited his production, and he ended the year batting .196/.269/.385. A healthy offseason could help him rebound, but his inconsistency leaves questions about his reliability.
O’Neill battled his usual injury issues, playing in just 54 games and hitting .199/.292/.392. He’s unlikely to opt out of the final two years and $33 million on his contract but could see more time at designated hitter to reduce wear and tear. Carlson’s offensive woes continued (.203/.278/.336 in 83 games), while Kjerstad’s season was affected by an undisclosed medical condition. Beavers and Jackson flashed promise late in the year but remain largely untested at the big-league level.
Given these uncertainties, Kubatko reports that the Orioles are seeking an external option who can handle center field duties. Prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. is viewed as a potential long-term solution but dealt with hamstring issues in Triple-A and likely needs more development time.
Limited Options in Center
The free-agent center field market isn’t particularly deep. Cody Bellinger headlines the class after a strong season, though questions persist about whether his success was boosted by Yankee Stadium’s dimensions. He’s expected to command a nine-figure contract — a price point Baltimore is unlikely to match. Trent Grisham enjoyed a breakout year, but his track record raises doubts about sustainability.
Beyond them, the options are thin. Harrison Bader posted solid numbers but was buoyed by a high BABIP. A reunion with Mullins is possible, though he struggled mightily this year. Luis Robert Jr. could be available via trade, but injuries and inconsistency have clouded his value. Other potential trade candidates like Jarren Duran, Alek Thomas, and Brenton Doyle come with limitations — either due to team reluctance, divisional ties, or offensive inconsistency.
First Base a Secondary Focus
First base could be another position of interest, depending on how the Orioles deploy their current personnel. Adley Rutschman remains the everyday catcher, which could push top prospect Samuel Basallo into a hybrid role between DH and first base. That decision would also affect Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle’s futures. Mayo rebounded in the second half of 2025, posting a 109 wRC+, while Mountcastle underperformed and appears to be a non-tender candidate with a projected $7.8 million salary.
If Baltimore feels that Basallo or Mayo need more seasoning in the minors, pursuing a veteran first baseman could be an option. The market offers several impact bats, including Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor, Rhys Hoskins, Luis Arráez, and former Oriole Ryan O’Hearn. The trade market could also feature Christian Walker, Triston Casas, and Jake Burger.
Payroll Flexibility, Conservative Spending
Financially, the Orioles have room to maneuver. Their 2025 payroll sat around $160 million but is projected to drop to roughly $69 million next year, per RosterResource. Still, the front office under Mike Elias has been cautious with long-term commitments. In fact, O’Neill’s contract remains the only multi-year free-agent deal given out during Elias’s seven-year tenure.
That history suggests Baltimore will target smart, value-driven additions rather than headline-grabbing contracts. Even so, with a talented young core and significant financial flexibility, the Orioles have the means to reshape their offense — if they choose to be bold this winter.