The Baltimore Orioles’ relatively quiet offseason has left many fans disappointed.
With new ownership, expectations were high for a change. In some ways, it has been different—Mike Elias secured his first multi-year deal in years with Tyler O’Neill, who signed a three-year, $49.5 million contract early in free agency. However, since then, the team has focused mostly on modest improvements to the pitching staff, with little else happening.
The Orioles still aren’t spending anywhere near the levels of teams like New York or Toronto in a highly competitive division. While Baltimore is relying on one of the deepest young cores in baseball, there are several significant challenges ahead for this team. After two consecutive playoff disappointments, it’s difficult to overlook the lack of investment in elite pitching. The team traded for Corbin Burnes, only to let him go. So far this offseason, they haven’t pursued a more reliable option on the mound.
Despite this, there is still time for the Orioles to make a bold move. Elias has been cautious, but the team is now in a position to make a significant impact. His latest addition, Ramon Laureano, is a modest move on the surface—a one-year contract for the 30-year-old outfielder who spent last season between Cleveland and Atlanta, posting a .758 OPS and 1.3 WAR in 98 games, with 11 home runs.
At first glance, the Orioles seem to have enough outfield depth, with Laureano becoming the seventh outfielder on the 40-man roster. However, his addition might signal the beginning of a bigger move the team is planning.
