The Baltimore Orioles’ winter was expected to end with a statement signing: a true frontline starter to put them at the top of the rotation. But with Framber Valdez yet to sign, the Orioles’ patience is telling a different story—and perhaps a much smarter one than simply signing someone at random.
Justin Verlander and Zac Gallen have been mentioned. But the harsh reality is: neither represents the peak of a rotation in the current context. Verlander is iconic, not a long-term solution. Gallen is still good, but not the kind of ace who can change the course of the season. And if it’s not Valdez, Baltimore has no reason to force itself into a half-hearted choice.
That doesn’t mean the Orioles don’t need more pitching. They do—but not necessarily right now.
Baltimore entered the season with enough depth to hold out until the trade deadline. And ironically, that very deadline is emerging as the “real market” for top pitching. Tarik Skubal could be leaving as he’s about to become a free agent. Sandy Alcantara remains a big question mark regarding his value and health. But one name has emerged in a very Orioles way: Joe Ryan.
Bleacher Report recently released a controversial trade idea: Orioles would take Joe Ryan and reliever Cole Sands from the Twins in exchange for Jordan Westburg and outfield prospect Nate George. The Baseball Trade Values model accepts this — and that detail speaks volumes.
In theory, this is a trade Orioles would… agree to immediately. Too immediately. To the point that if Mike Elias actually submitted this proposal, he would probably become the laughing stock of the entire league. But the idea isn’t in the specific package — it’s in the name Joe Ryan.
Ryan is the type of pitcher the Orioles are looking for: young, proven, good control, and most importantly — team control through 2027. Not a one-season loan. Not a career-ending gamble. A pillar that can fit into their current competitive core.
The Twins are reportedly keeping Ryan until Opening Day. But if they continue their downward spiral as they did in 2025, things will change very quickly. And when pitching starts to pick up in July–August, the Orioles will be in a much better position if they don’t burn resources on a hasty February signing.
This is why Baltimore’s current hesitation shouldn’t be misinterpreted as indecisiveness. It’s more of a calculation. If Valdez doesn’t walk through that door — the Orioles don’t need to delude themselves into thinking Verlander or Gallen are equivalent options.
They can wait.
But waiting doesn’t mean standing still. Waiting is saving ammunition. Waiting is preserving assets. And waiting means being ready to strike at the right time, against the right person.
Because if there’s no ace in March, Orioles can still find one in August. The only question is: when that time comes, will they have enough patience—and enough courage—to avoid regretting making a hasty decision?
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