Even with pitching being the focus for the Baltimore Orioles this offseason, it was clear that their offense lacked some pop. After a trade deadline deal that saw the Orioles ship Ryan O’Hearn to the San Diego Padres, the starting lineup was bleak, offering little to no protection for Gunnar Henderson. Trading for Taylor Ward was a step in the right direction, but it feels like more can still be done.
Now, again, to be clear, the next move the Orioles make this offseason should be to add a starting pitcher to their rotation. While he shouldn’t have been counted on as an option for 2026, Grayson Rodriguez, if nothing else, was depth for the Orioles that was lost in their trade for Ward.
It would be comical for a team that has stated the goal this offseason was to add pitching to ignore such a move with the first two moves of consequence. Then again, Mike Elias is running baseball operations in Baltimore, so never say never.
Having said all of that, Bleacher Report recently predicted the Orioles’ starting lineup, and even with Ward’s arrival, it feels like more can be done. It’s a lineup that looks pretty familiar to the one the Orioles had at the end of the 2025 season, outside of Ward taking over in left field. However, the biggest concern is that the lineup still includes Colton Cowser in center field and Coby Mayo at first base.
Taylor Ward’s arrival improves the Orioles’ starting lineup, but some major question marks remain
In giving up Rodriguez for Ward, very little has changed for the Orioles’ financial outlook this offseason. If the plan was for the Orioles to spend money this offseason, they still have the means to do so and on multiple fronts.
Sure, the bulk of their resources needs to be aimed toward improving the pitching staff, but Cowser and Mayo remain significant question marks. In a world where the Orioles trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher, it wouldn’t be a shock to see them get involved in the bidding for Kyle Tucker or Pete Alonso. If for nothing other than giving them an impact bat beyond 2026, considering Ward is a free agent next offseason.
