The Baltimore Orioles Need to Think About Making Strategic Moves to Improve Their Roster Right Now
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season nears, the Baltimore Orioles stand at a crucial juncture. While they have made strides in recent seasons and possess a core of young talent, the team’s ability to contend for a postseason berth is far from guaranteed. The Orioles, who have shown promise with their combination of up-and-coming stars and veteran players, must now consider making strategic roster moves to solidify their position as a legitimate contender in the American League East.
For years, the Orioles have been in a rebuilding phase, with a heavy focus on developing their farm system, building a deep bullpen, and fostering a roster that could sustain long-term success. Under manager Brandon Hyde, the team has shown resilience, with a wave of talented young players such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez emerging as cornerstones. These players, coupled with established veterans like Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, and Anthony Santander, provide a foundation for the Orioles to build upon.
However, the team’s weaknesses and areas of need have become increasingly apparent, and the front office must now look to address these gaps through strategic roster moves, whether by making trades, signing free agents, or calling up promising prospects. For the Orioles to break into the upper echelon of contenders in the AL East, they must act swiftly to bolster their lineup, improve their pitching staff, and refine their overall depth.
Addressing the Starting Rotation
One of the most pressing concerns for the Orioles is the starting rotation. While the team has seen flashes of brilliance from pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish, the rotation as a whole lacks the consistency and ace-caliber arm that would make them a reliable force in the AL East. The division is notoriously tough, with teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays boasting potent offenses. For the Orioles to compete with these teams, they need a rotation that can handle the pressure and provide stability throughout the long season.
Grayson Rodriguez, who is still in the early stages of his career, is a highly touted prospect with immense upside. However, he has shown some growing pains in his first seasons in the majors. It’s clear that the Orioles need to add a proven starting pitcher to their rotation. A veteran starter with playoff experience could be a game-changer for the team. This move would provide not only stability in the rotation but also mentorship for the younger pitchers on the staff.
Several options are available on the free-agent market, as well as through potential trade acquisitions. A move for a high-profile pitcher like Lucas Giolito, Sonny Gray, or Jameson Taillon could be an effective way to solidify the rotation, but such trades would require the Orioles to part with some of their prized prospects. This is the type of difficult decision that Orioles management will need to make — sacrifice some future potential for present-day success.
Improving the Lineup and Power Bat
While the Orioles have a solid core of position players, there is a noticeable lack of power in their lineup. Despite solid seasons from Ryan Mountcastle and Anthony Santander, the team’s offense has not been as explosive as that of some of their divisional rivals. For a team with playoff aspirations, the lack of a true middle-of-the-order bat capable of putting up big home run and RBI numbers could be a major disadvantage.
The front office should actively explore adding a power bat via free agency or trade. A player like J.D. Martinez, who can offer both experience and a consistent bat in the middle of the lineup, would be a strong addition to the roster. The Orioles could also target a younger power hitter with upside, such as a player like C.J. Cron or Hunter Renfroe. Regardless of who they pursue, adding a slugger would provide much-needed depth to the lineup and give the team more pop in critical moments.
Additionally, with Adley Rutschman continuing to develop into one of the league’s best catchers, the Orioles have an emerging star behind the plate. His presence in the lineup should not be underestimated, as his on-base ability and leadership qualities will be invaluable as the team looks to make a deep playoff push. Surrounding him with more power hitters could unlock the full potential of the Orioles’ offense.
Strengthening the Bullpen
Another area where the Orioles must look to improve is the bullpen. While the team has benefited from solid contributions from the likes of Felix Bautista, Dillon Tate, and Bryan Baker, the bullpen lacks the depth and consistency that playoff teams typically possess. A bullpen that can be relied upon to hold leads late in games is essential for any team with championship aspirations, and the Orioles cannot afford to have weaknesses in this area.
To bolster the bullpen, the Orioles should consider adding another reliable late-inning option. Free agents like Craig Kimbrel, Joe Kelly, and Andrew Chafin could provide the veteran presence and stability that the team is currently missing in high-leverage situations. The Orioles should also look to trade for bullpen help if the market presents the right opportunity, particularly from teams that are sellers and looking to offload relief talent.
Adding Versatile Depth
In addition to improving the starting rotation and bullpen, the Orioles must also focus on adding versatile depth across the roster. Injuries, particularly over a long 162-game season, are inevitable, and having capable players to step into key roles when needed is crucial for sustained success. Baltimore’s depth has been tested in recent years, and although they have made strides in this area, more is needed.
This could come in the form of a solid utility player who can handle multiple infield and outfield positions, providing cover in case of injury. Players like Tommy La Stella or Josh Harrison, who have been effective role players in the past, could be ideal targets for the Orioles to pursue. These players could help provide the stability and flexibility needed for a playoff-caliber roster.
Looking to the Future
As the Orioles continue their pursuit of contention, it’s essential that they keep an eye on the future as well. The team’s farm system remains one of the most promising in baseball, and keeping that pipeline of talent flowing will be key to long-term success. That said, the Orioles must strike a balance between developing young talent and making moves to improve the present roster.
The front office has a critical decision to make: whether to be aggressive in improving the team for 2025 or continue to be patient and allow their young talent to fully mature. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the Orioles must seize the opportunity presented by their current window of competitive potential. With a few strategic moves, the Orioles could quickly transform into one of the more well-rounded teams in the AL East.
