This is going to be an important offseason for the Baltimore Orioles. After a pair of big years that saw them go to the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 1990s, 2025 was a disaster as they finished dead last in the American League East. And seemed to shockingly regress as a team.
That is exactly why a new report from USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale claims the word around the general manager meetings is that the Orioles “are expected to spend more money than perhaps any team in baseball.” With Baltimore aiming to better compete in a stacked division, let’s look at seven stars they could target in MLB free agency and the trade market using David Rubenstein’s massive wealth.
Byron Buxton
After trading Cedric Mullins before the deadline, the Os need to find a new long-term answer in center field. One potential option could be Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton. The soon-to-be 32-year-old is aging like fine wine as he had a career year in 2025. Slugging 35 homers and 86 RBIs. Plus, he is locked into three more seasons at just $15 million annually. The two-time All-Star is right in the middle of his prime and would be a perfect veteran addition this winter.
Dylan Cease
When Dylan Cease is right, he can be a top 10 pitcher in the game. However, he has often shown throughout his career that he can be a bit inconsistent from year to year. But even at his worst, he is a good middle-of-the-rotation talent who is a strikeout machine. He is sure to be on Baltimore’s wish list this offseason and could definitely be wearing black and orange next season, as long as his asking price is reasonable.
Sandy Alcantara
There has been a lot of talk about potential blockbuster trades for Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta this offseason. The Orioles are sure to check in on both, but the pair will cost a lot and will hit free agency after 2026. The club doesn’t want to relive the Corbin Burnes situation. That is why a trade for Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara is very possible.
Baltimore has the prospects to easily make a trade. But the two-time All-Star is under team contract for the next two seasons — including a club option in 2027. That makes a trade worth it. With rumors that the Marlins are very open to a trade, getting the legit ace is very possible for the Os.
Edwin Diaz
Long-time Orioles fans are well aware of how important having an elite closer is. Especially in the playoffs. That is why they are sure to prioritize getting one this winter, and a great one is available in New York Mets All-Star Edwin Diaz. Reports suggest some teams will balk at having to give up draft compensation by signing him. But since Baltimore has one of the best minor leagues in the league, they can take that risk. The contract price will be high, but if they want to compete in the AL East, they need a closer like Diaz.
Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger showed with the New York Yankees last season that he can be a key part of an elite team because his versatility is very valuable. The Orioles need more proven veterans, especially those who have dealt with the ups and downs of big league life after being a top prospect. He can impart a lot of valuable lessons on the club’s young roster while being a player who can lead by example on the field in multiple spots. Plus, signing him would hurt a top rival.
Devin Williams
Devin Williams had a disastrous season in the Bronx last season. However, while he posted a 4.79 ERA and was demoted from the closer spot, he still had a 2.68 FIP and 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings. There is a lot of buzz that last season was an outlier, and he is still an elite talent. If the Orioles don’t want to pay Diaz what he is looking for, the two-time All-Star would be a strong plan B.
Kyle Schwarber
Are the Orioles likely to sign Philadelphia Phillies great Kyle Schwarber? Probably not. But should they inquire and make a real effort? Absolutely.
“I think he makes everyone around him better. He makes rookies better, veteran players better, managers better, everything he does — those intangibles — is why he is” second on [his top 50 free agents list]” a top free agent this winter, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden. For a mostly young team, the Orioles badly need that sort of player to get them back to competing for the division again in 2026.
