Baltimore Orioles Desperately Need Free Agent Signing to Turn Season Around

The Baltimore Orioles, once a powerhouse in the American League East, have spent the last few years struggling to return to the heights they reached in the early 2010s. Despite having promising young talent and a history of successful seasons, the Orioles’ rebuild has taken longer than anticipated, and the team is now faced with an urgent need to make a major move to rejuvenate their roster and make a push for the postseason. As the 2025 season progresses, the Orioles find themselves at a crossroads—looking for that key free agent signing to propel them back into playoff contention.

The Orioles’ rebuild, which began in earnest in 2018 after the team finished 47-115, has shown significant signs of progress over the past few years. They’ve built a strong foundation of young talent, with standout players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez leading the charge. The team’s farm system is ranked among the best in baseball, providing optimism for the future.

However, the transition from a rebuilding team to a true contender is fraught with challenges. Despite the impressive individual performances from their young stars, the Orioles have struggled to find consistent success in the AL East. The division remains one of the toughest in all of baseball, and while the Orioles have shown flashes of brilliance, they have yet to put together a complete, competitive season since their playoff appearance in 2016.

A key component of any successful rebuild is finding the right pieces to complement the young talent you have in place. For the Orioles, the most obvious missing piece could be a veteran presence—someone who can provide leadership in the clubhouse, bolster the roster, and serve as the catalyst for a turnaround. Free agent signings often offer teams the opportunity to fill gaps in their roster and add that much-needed experience.

To understand why the Orioles desperately need a key free agent signing, it’s important to evaluate their current roster. On paper, the team boasts a mix of exciting young players and promising prospects who can one day develop into stars. But there are still glaring weaknesses that need to be addressed if the team hopes to turn its fortunes around.

The Orioles’ starting rotation has been a point of concern for the last several seasons. While Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish have shown glimpses of potential, there’s a clear need for another established starter to anchor the rotation. Free agent signings could give the Orioles the experience they need to provide stability on the mound.

The current pitching staff lacks a true ace—someone who can shut down opposing lineups in high-pressure moments. The team is banking on the development of their younger pitchers, but relying on unproven talent in such a competitive division is a gamble. A free agent signing, especially a pitcher with playoff experience, could be the game-changer the Orioles need to push their pitching staff to the next level.

The Orioles’ offense, while explosive at times, has been inconsistent. Players like Adley Rutschman, who has emerged as one of the top young catchers in the league, provide a solid foundation. However, the team lacks depth in certain areas. The outfield, for example, has been a revolving door, with players failing to establish themselves as everyday contributors.

The Orioles would benefit greatly from adding a bat who can provide consistent run production, especially someone who can serve as a middle-of-the-order threat. With the right signing, the Orioles could add an experienced hitter who could not only provide offensive stability but also serve as a mentor to the younger players who are still finding their way.

While the bullpen has been a bright spot for the Orioles in recent years, there’s always room for improvement. The team has seen a mix of promising young arms and veterans holding down key spots, but like the starting rotation, the bullpen could benefit from an experienced, high-leverage arm. A free agent signing could provide that added depth and reliability, giving the Orioles a better chance to close out tight games.

As the Orioles approach the 2025 season, it’s becoming clear that the time to act is now. The team is on the verge of becoming a contender in the AL East, but they can’t afford to wait for their young talent to fully mature. They need that extra push—a proven player who can come in and contribute immediately. In a division with powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, the margin for error is slim.

Additionally, the Orioles have a unique window of opportunity. With several key players still on rookie contracts and a farm system that’s among the best in the league, the team has the flexibility to make a bold move without hampering their long-term future. The front office has shown a willingness to invest in the team’s future, but now is the time to make the investment that will pay off in the short term.

With the 2025 season fast approaching, several high-profile free agents could be perfect fits for the Orioles, helping to fill the gaps on their roster. These players bring the experience, leadership, and production that could push the Orioles into the postseason.

The Orioles need a starting pitcher who can provide stability at the top of the rotation. While there are several intriguing free-agent arms on the market, two names stand out as potential targets:

• Blake Snell: Snell, a former Cy Young winner, has the ability to dominate on the mound and could give the Orioles the ace they desperately need. With a strong track record in the postseason and an electric stuff, Snell could provide immediate impact. His left-handed pitching would add balance to a right-heavy rotation, and his playoff experience could prove invaluable down the stretch.
• Lucas Giolito: Giolito has been a solid, consistent starter throughout his career. He offers a high strikeout rate and a solid repertoire of pitches that could thrive in the AL East. His ability to pitch deep into games would provide much-needed stability to the Orioles’ rotation.

The Orioles’ outfield remains an area of uncertainty, and a powerful bat in the middle of the lineup could go a long way in stabilizing the offense. Some potential targets include:

• Joc Pederson: Pederson, a seasoned veteran with power, could provide the Orioles with an offensive boost. He has experience in the postseason and could slot in as a middle-of-the-order hitter, bringing the kind of pop that the team has lacked at times.
• George Springer: Though Springer’s contract may be a bit pricey, his elite defense in center field and ability to produce at the plate make him a solid fit. With playoff experience and a leadership presence, Springer could help the Orioles become more competitive in the AL East.

Adding a reliable bullpen arm is critical for the Orioles as they look to close out games and avoid late-game meltdowns. Several high-leverage relievers could be available:

• Craig Kimbrel: One of the most dominant closers in baseball history, Kimbrel still has plenty left in the tank. Adding him to the Orioles’ bullpen could give the team the back-end stability they need in close games, with Kimbrel providing a lockdown option in the ninth inning.
• Andrew Chafin: A left-handed reliever who can get both lefties and righties out, Chafin could be a valuable addition to the bullpen. His ability to pitch in high-leverage situations and his experience in the postseason make him an ideal candidate for a late-inning role.

The Orioles are at a critical juncture in their rebuild. The team has plenty of potential, but the pieces are not yet in place to contend for a division title, let alone a deep playoff run. A key free agent signing could be the missing piece that puts them over the top.

Whether it’s a starting pitcher to anchor the rotation, a bat to provide consistency in the middle of the order, or a reliever to close out tight games, the Orioles have the resources and the opportunity to make a significant move. By adding the right free agent, the Orioles could not only strengthen their roster but also send a message that they are ready to compete for a postseason spot now, rather than continuing to wait for their young stars to develop.

Baltimore’s loyal fanbase has waited long enough. It’s time for the Orioles to make the bold move that turns their season around and sets them on a path toward future success. The 2025 season could be the beginning of a new era in Baltimore—one that’s defined by competitiveness, postseason appearances, and ultimately, a return to the glory days of Orioles baseball.