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The Baltimore Orioles have had a busy offseason, bolstering their roster with hopes of returning to the postseason in 2026. While the lineup has been strengthened by major additions such as first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielder Taylor Ward, questions remain about the pitching rotation.
Despite recent moves such as trading for right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays and re-signing Zach Eflin to a one-year deal, Baltimore could still benefit from adding a proven frontline arm to anchor the staff.
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Fortunately, the front office appears to recognize that need. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Orioles are once again linked to left-hander Ranger Suarez, one of the most intriguing arms available in free agency.
“The Orioles, Giants, Mets and Cubs are among teams linked to Suarez. He has elite command – he was judged having the best command in MLB and above average location with six different pitches – but he hasn’t logged the enormous number of innings of Valdez. Of course, lower ‘mileage’ could also be perceived positively,” Heyman reported Thursday.
Suarez has built a reputation as a reliable left-hander with exceptional command and the ability to mix a diverse arsenal of pitches. His skill set makes him particularly appealing for a Baltimore team that has struggled to find consistency at the top of its rotation. Unlike some of the other high-profile arms available, Suarez has not been overworked, which could be viewed as a long-term advantage. His career workload is lighter than many of his peers due to spending the first portion of his career out of the bullpen, potentially reducing the risk of injury.
Suarez combines experience with durability, and his ability to locate pitches with precision would immediately elevate the Orioles’ rotation. He has proven capable of handling both regular-season assignments and high-pressure postseason moments, giving Baltimore the type of stabilizing presence they have lacked in recent years.
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For a team looking to maximize its championship window, Suarez represents the kind of arm who could provide critical depth in October and match up against the best pitchers in the American League.
The 30-year-old enters free agency after eight impressive seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he has spent his entire career. Suarez remains at the peak of his powers, having earned an All-Star selection in 2024 and posting a career-low ERA of 3.20 as a starter last season.
If the Orioles are able to secure his services, it would signal a clear commitment to building a roster capable of not just reaching the postseason, but contending deep into October.
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