Overall, the Baltimore Orioles are having a nearly flawless offseason. Mike Elias has systematically addressed weaknesses, even more decisively than in previous years.
They strengthened their offense with two major signings: Taylor Ward brings stability and versatility, and Pete Alonso is a blunt statement that Baltimore is ready to compete on equal footing with the big teams. In the bullpen, signing Ryan Helsley completely ended their late-game woes—a problem that had plagued the team for many seasons.
But there’s still one piece that’s incomplete.
Starting rotation.
The Orioles have acted. The trade for Shane Baz from the Rays was a high-upside trade. The re-signing of Zach Eflin also adds depth and familiarity. However, upon closer inspection, this is still a question mark over the rotation. Baz still needs to prove his consistency. Eflin isn’t an ace. And behind them are pitchers who lack the credibility to guarantee a long-term run in the AL East.
To take this offseason from “very good” to “formidable,” the Orioles need a truly high-ceiling starter. And the name still hovering on the market is Zac Gallen.
According to Jon Heyman on MLB Network, the Orioles continue to be one of the teams pursuing Gallen, alongside the Diamondbacks and Cubs. Baltimore’s continued presence on this list is no coincidence—Gallen represents the type of pitcher they’re missing: experience, upside, and the ability to return to the top.
Gallen’s 2025 season looks pretty bad at first glance: 13–15, ERA 4.83. But that’s only half the story. From August 1st onwards, Gallen is like a completely different pitcher: ERA 3.32, WHIP 1.08, opponents only OPS .629. This isn’t a string of luck—it’s a sign of a successful adjustment.
Just two years ago, Gallen was third in the Cy Young NL race. Had it not been for a shaky first half of the 2025 season, he would have signed long ago. The current issue isn’t just performance, but the qualifying offer.
The Orioles lost a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the Baz trade. Signing Gallen means another sacrifice of draft capital. But ironically: Framber Valdez also has a qualifying offer, and Baltimore has been consistently linked with him since the start of the offseason.
The difference lies in the contract structure. Valdez is more likely to demand a long-term deal with a high AAV. Gallen, after a less-than-perfect 2025 season, might be more open to a shorter-term contract with an opt-out—something the Orioles usually prefer.
And that’s where the big question arises:
Will Baltimore dare to make the final move?
The AL East isn’t waiting for anyone. The Toronto Blue Jays have a star-studded roster. The Yankees and Rays are always dangerous. The Orioles have done almost everything right—but if they enter the season with a rotation that’s only “okay,” they risk repeating the old scenario: good, but not good enough.
Zac Gallen isn’t the perfect pick. But he’s the Orioles’ last chance on the market to turn a very good offseason into one that the whole league will be wary of.
The only question is: how much longer will they hesitate before that opportunity disappears?Overall, the Baltimore Orioles are having a nearly flawless offseason. Mike Elias has systematically addressed weaknesses, even more decisively than in previous years.
They strengthened their offense with two major signings: Taylor Ward brings stability and versatility, and Pete Alonso is a blunt statement that Baltimore is ready to compete on equal footing with the big teams. In the bullpen, signing Ryan Helsley completely ended their late-game woes—a problem that had plagued the team for many seasons.
But there’s still one piece that’s incomplete.
Starting rotation.
The Orioles have acted. The trade for Shane Baz from the Rays was a high-upside trade. The re-signing of Zach Eflin also adds depth and familiarity. However, upon closer inspection, this is still a question mark over the rotation. Baz still needs to prove his consistency. Eflin isn’t an ace. And behind them are pitchers who lack the credibility to guarantee a long-term run in the AL East.
To take this offseason from “very good” to “formidable,” the Orioles need a truly high-ceiling starter. And the name still hovering on the market is Zac Gallen.
According to Jon Heyman on MLB Network, the Orioles continue to be one of the teams pursuing Gallen, alongside the Diamondbacks and Cubs. Baltimore’s continued presence on this list is no coincidence—Gallen represents the type of pitcher they’re missing: experience, upside, and the ability to return to the top.
Gallen’s 2025 season looks pretty bad at first glance: 13–15, ERA 4.83. But that’s only half the story. From August 1st onwards, Gallen is like a completely different pitcher: ERA 3.32, WHIP 1.08, opponents only OPS .629. This isn’t a string of luck—it’s a sign of a successful adjustment.
Just two years ago, Gallen was third in the Cy Young NL race. Had it not been for a shaky first half of the 2025 season, he would have signed long ago. The current issue isn’t just performance, but the qualifying offer.
The Orioles lost a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the Baz trade. Signing Gallen means another sacrifice of draft capital. But ironically: Framber Valdez also has a qualifying offer, and Baltimore has been consistently linked with him since the start of the offseason.
The difference lies in the contract structure. Valdez is more likely to demand a long-term deal with a high AAV. Gallen, after a less-than-perfect 2025 season, might be more open to a shorter-term contract with an opt-out—something the Orioles usually prefer.
And that’s where the big question arises:
Will Baltimore dare to make the final move?
The AL East isn’t waiting for anyone. The Toronto Blue Jays have a star-studded roster. The Yankees and Rays are always dangerous. The Orioles have done almost everything right—but if they enter the season with a rotation that’s only “okay,” they risk repeating the old scenario: good, but not good enough.
Zac Gallen isn’t the perfect pick. But he’s the Orioles’ last chance on the market to turn a very good offseason into one that the whole league will be wary of.
The only question is: how much longer will they hesitate before that opportunity disappears?
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