Sunday, November 8, 2026 — after a losing season, Baltimore is ready to reshape its roster.
The Orioles are open for business. According to the Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka, the club will listen on every player except Pete Alonso as it looks to upgrade its rotation and outfield this winter. Gunnar Henderson is unlikely to be moved unless a team pays a steep price.
Why a Shake-Up
The Orioles finished 79-82 and fourth in the AL East, missing the postseason after appearances in 2023 and 2024. Two weaknesses stood out. The rotation posted a 4.24 ERA, 17th in the majors, and the outfield ranked 29th in slugging at .354. Colton Cowser hit .226 with 13 homers, and Baltimore declined Luis Robert Jr.’s option.
The One Untouchable
Alonso’s first season in Baltimore was everything the Orioles hoped for when they signed him to a five-year, $155 million deal. He hit 43 home runs with 113 RBIs and an .885 OPS, leading the AL in both homers and RBIs, and missed just one game. He turns 32 before next season, and the club clearly sees him as the centerpiece.
The Trade Chips
Baltimore’s infield depth is its biggest asset. Beyond Henderson, names like Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand could draw interest. Mike Elias said upgrading the rotation is “absolutely on the menu,” and with Trevor Rogers, Zach Eflin and Chris Bassitt all free agents, the need is real. Rogers received a qualifying offer.
Possible Targets
Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen, whose $20 million option was just exercised, has been mentioned as a fit. So has Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, who has one year of control left. Free agent outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena — both of whom received qualifying offers — are other possibilities.
Other Early Moves
The Orioles have already started trimming. They declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option and Dietrich Enns’ option, while Ryan Helsley chose not to opt out of his $14 million salary. Heston Kjerstad was released after clearing waivers.
The Read
The Orioles’ young core was supposed to carry them to a title. Instead, they slipped below .500. Keeping Alonso while dangling everyone else shows a front office willing to turn prospects and young players into pitching. How aggressively Elias trades from that infield depth will decide whether 2026 was a detour or a turning point.
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