When the Baltimore Orioles began preparing for the upcoming season, there was little debate about what stood out most on their to-do list. While the organization had made meaningful strides in recent years and entered the winter with momentum, one glaring issue remained unresolved, the need for another dependable, high-end starting pitcher. The front office understood that if Baltimore hoped to build on its young core and contend seriously in the American League, bolstering the rotation was not optional — it was essential.
Throughout the offseason, the Orioles were active and aggressive in reshaping parts of their roster. They made multiple notable signings, committing significant financial resources to strengthen key areas. By the midpoint of the winter, Baltimore had already invested $195 million in four free agents, first baseman Pete Alonso, reliever Ryan Helsley, starter Zach Eflin, and outfielder Leody Taveras. That level of spending placed them sixth among all Major League Baseball teams in total free agent expenditures, signaling that ownership was willing to support a push toward contention.
However, even after those additions, there was a lingering sense that the Orioles had not quite finished their work. General manager Mike Elias, entering the final year of his contract, faced mounting pressure to deliver a complete and competitive roster. While the moves already made were impactful, insiders believed that Elias had one more major swing left in him — one that could redefine the Orioles’ offseason and potentially elevate them into elite company among MLB spenders.
For much of the winter, the prevailing expectation was that Baltimore would land left-hander Framber Valdez. Valdez, widely regarded as the premier free-agent southpaw available, was viewed as an ideal fit for the Orioles’ needs. With his combination of durability, postseason experience, and frontline stuff, he represented exactly the type of pitcher who could anchor a rotation and provide stability in high-leverage situations.
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At the time, the market for top-tier starting pitching was heating up. When Ranger Suárez secured a five-year, $130 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, evaluators began projecting Valdez’s value even higher. Many believed that Valdez would command something in the range of six years and $180 million — a substantial investment, but one that teams in win-now mode were prepared to make.
Had Baltimore finalized such a contract, it would have propelled them past perennial big spenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays in total free-agent outlays for the winter.
The narrative seemed to be building toward a blockbuster agreement between Valdez and the Orioles. Baltimore’s willingness to spend, Elias’s urgency to solidify the roster, and the club’s clear need for a top-of-the-rotation arm all pointed in that direction. Yet, as often happens during the frenzy of free agency, expectations and reality diverged.
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In a surprising twist, it was not Baltimore but the Detroit Tigers who ultimately secured Valdez’s services. The Tigers reached an agreement with the left-hander on a three-year, $115 million contract. That deal paired one of the market’s most coveted pitchers with a Detroit team intent on ending its lengthy division-title drought. For the Tigers, it was a statement move — a sign that they were serious about accelerating their timeline and competing at a higher level in the American League Central.
For the Orioles, Valdez’s decision marked a significant setback. Losing out on their presumed top pitching target forced the organization to pivot quickly. Although they were far from alone in pursuing Valdez, the expectation that he might land in Baltimore had become widespread. His signing elsewhere left a void in the Orioles’ offseason blueprint.
Now, with Valdez off the board, attention has shifted to another prominent name: Zac Gallen. According to reports, discussions surrounding Gallen have intensified, with multiple clubs expressing strong interest. Among the teams most actively involved are the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Arizona Diamondbacks. With Valdez no longer available, Gallen has emerged as the top remaining starter on the market — and potentially the most impactful addition still within reach.
For Baltimore, the urgency remains unchanged. The Orioles understand that entering Spring Training without addressing their rotation would be a gamble they cannot afford. While the team boasts one of the more exciting young cores in baseball — highlighted by emerging stars and dynamic position players — a championship-caliber squad requires balance. A deep, dependable rotation is foundational to sustained success, especially in the grueling 162-game regular season and even more so in October.
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The disappointment of the 2025 campaign still lingers in the background. Expectations were high entering that season, yet the team fell short of its goals. Inconsistencies on the mound played a role in that outcome, reinforcing the notion that pitching depth must be strengthened. Baltimore’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, and its bullpen has demonstrated resilience at times, but the starting staff has lacked the dominant presence needed to consistently control games against top-tier opponents.
Zac Gallen represents a potential solution. Over the course of his career, Gallen has established himself as a pitcher capable of performing at a Cy Young level. He has received votes in the prestigious award’s balloting multiple times, underscoring the respect he commands across the league. Known for his command, pitch mix, and ability to navigate lineups multiple times, Gallen offers the type of reliability and upside that teams covet in a frontline starter.
Adding Gallen would not merely fill a vacancy; it would reshape the Orioles’ outlook. Slotting him into the rotation alongside existing arms would provide balance and reduce pressure on younger pitchers still finding their footing. It would also signal to the clubhouse and fan base that the organization remains fully committed to contending.
The competition for Gallen’s services, however, is expected to be fierce. San Diego continues to seek pitching stability, Chicago is looking to fortify its rotation for a postseason push, and Arizona — Gallen’s former club — could pursue a reunion. Each team brings its own motivations and financial flexibility to the table. Baltimore must be prepared to act decisively if it intends to emerge victorious in the bidding.
Financially, the Orioles have already demonstrated a willingness to invest. The nearly $200 million committed earlier in the offseason proves that ownership is prepared to back the front office. The question now becomes how far they are willing to extend themselves for Gallen. Given the rising cost of elite starting pitching, any contract would likely require a long-term commitment and significant annual value.
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From a broader perspective, this offseason serves as a defining moment for the franchise. With Elias in the final year of his contract, the decisions made in the coming weeks could influence not only the team’s immediate fortunes but also the long-term trajectory of the organization. Securing a pitcher like Gallen would bolster the case that Baltimore is entering a sustained competitive window rather than merely experiencing a fleeting surge.
The American League landscape remains competitive, with multiple clubs strengthening their rosters. Standing pat is not an option for a team with postseason aspirations. The Orioles’ young hitters provide a strong foundation, but without a fortified rotation, even the most explosive lineup can struggle to maintain consistency over a full season.
As Spring Training approaches, time becomes an increasingly important factor. Pitchers need time to acclimate to new organizations, build chemistry with catchers, and integrate into coaching philosophies. The sooner Baltimore resolves its pursuit of a top starter, the smoother the transition will be.
In many ways, the Orioles’ offseason encapsulates both ambition and unfinished business. They have taken meaningful steps forward, yet the job remains incomplete. Missing out on Valdez was a setback, but it does not have to define the winter. The opportunity to add Gallen keeps the possibility of a transformative signing alive.
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Ultimately, Baltimore’s path to contention hinges on assembling a balanced roster. The offensive core is in place. The bullpen has pieces capable of excelling. What remains is the anchor — the pitcher who can take the ball on Opening Day and set the tone for the season. Whether that pitcher becomes Zac Gallen or another alternative, the Orioles know the importance of getting this decision right.
The coming days and weeks will determine whether Baltimore can turn its offseason momentum into a fully realized contender. The foundation is strong, the resources are available, and the need is clear. Now, the focus shifts to execution — and to whether the Orioles can secure the final piece that completes their championship puzzle.
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