Orioles miss top target Ranger Suarez. Now, GM Elias must devise a new strategy, potentially via trade, to fortify their rotation before the season.
On January 14, 2026, the Boston Red Sox inked a massive five-year, $130 million dollar deal, making Boston's rotation one of the deepest in all of baseball.
iSuarez (30) is coming off of a career-season where he posted a 3.20 ERA and a 4.7 WAR in 157.1 innings pitched.
Prior to the Suarez signing, Boston had a very lackluster offseason, as they were unable to retain superstar third baseman Alex Bregman as he signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Numerous ball clubs were showing heavy intrest in the southpaw, including Baltimore. However, Suarez elected to take his talents further up north to Boston and pair up with bonafide ace Garrett Crochet.
If "ice in his veins" was a person, Suarez would be just that, as his postseason pedigree is one of the best in the league.
In 42.2 playoff innings, Suarez has a stellar 1.48 ERA with 44 strikeouts.
There's no doubt that Boston got a good pitcher, but what does this move mean for Baltimore?
The Baltimore Orioles have firmly been in the mix for almost every big name free agent this offseason, stemming from Kyle Schwarber all the way down to Zac Gallen, Baltimore has expressed their interest in making splash signings.
Although Suarez signed elsewhere, Baltimore still has the financial flexibility and players to facilitate a trade or make another signing for a starting pitcher.
Many believe former Houston Astros starter Framer Valdez would be a good fit in Baltimore, do to his years of experience pitching at a high level. However, Valdez would not come cheap, as he is projected to make above $30 million dollars a year in his new contract. Does Mike Elias really want to shell out that type of money?
I believe Baltimore should explore the trade market, just like how they did for Shane Baz back in December. There are numerous top of the rotation arms that could be moveable for other clubs, such as Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, Washington Nationals southpaw Mackenzie Gore, and Minnesota Twins star Joe Ryan.
If Baltimore elected to go the trade route, I'd feel positive about them getting a deal done, as they still have a very respectable farm system, along with a surplus of MLB ready bats.
Some players Baltimore could move off of for a pitcher:
1B Ryan Mountcastle, 1B Coby Mayo, OF Colton Cowser, OF Tyler O'Neill, P Cade Povich and P Dean Kremer.
I believe all of the players listed are expendable, and could be used to acquire a top of the rotation starting pitcher.
Category: General Sports
