The Orioles have already kicked off their offseason overhaul. Last week they promoted former Cubs assistant GM Jared Banner to general manager, reporting to president of baseball operations Mike Elias. The duo will split duties, with Elias outlining a clear split of labor. Can the O’s turn this momentum into a championship run?
Banner will run all matters involving in‑house talent—players, coaches, development, performance, and health—areas where Elias admits Banner outshines him.
Elias will concentrate on scouting, acquisitions and contract talks, while keeping an eye on big‑picture decisions. He stayed tight‑lipped about upcoming hires, but said Banner will lead any new additions. The club also confirmed that Cal Ripken Jr., minority owner and development collaborator, will stay heavily involved.
Elias admitted bolstering the starting rotation sits atop his to‑do list this offseason, a logical move as Baltimore could lose Trevor Rogers and Chris Bassitt to free agency. Rogers is expected to decline a qualifying offer, which would net the O’s a compensatory pick after the first round if he signs elsewhere for $50 million or more.
Even with Rogers and Bassitt, the 2026 rotation fell short. Baltimore’s starters logged the sixth‑most innings (863 1/3) but posted a 4.24 ERA, ranking 17th among 30 clubs. Their strikeout rate sat at a low 20.5%, while walks climbed to 8.6%.
Major changes are unavoidable. The only proven arms returning for 2027 are right‑handers Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz. Brandon Young, another right‑hander, improved to a 3.56 ERA over 156 2/3 innings at age 27, though his peripheral numbers remain average or below. In my view, the O’s must seek a true frontline ace to compete.
Additional rotation pieces include former top prospects Cade Povich and Trey Gibson. Povich posted an ERA above 6.00 in Triple‑A this season and carries a career 5.07 ERA over 229 big‑league frames. Gibson, once a top‑100 prospect, surrendered 27 runs in his first 39 2/3 MLB innings (6.13 ERA). Prospects Luis De León, Anthony Eyanson and Michael Forret are highly regarded but largely untested; De León has only 9 1/3 innings at the major‑league level.
Elias is targeting a rotation upgrade beyond a back‑end or middle‑of‑the‑staff arm, especially with Rogers likely departing. Rogers has been Baltimore’s best starter since 2025, posting 279 1/3 innings, a 3.16 ERA, 23.2% strikeouts, 6.1% walks, 41.1% ground balls and 0.81 HR/9.
The free‑agent market is thin beyond elite starter Tarik Skubal, who is out of the O’s budget. Rogers and Freddy Peralta represent the next tier of prime arms, while veterans like Sonny Gray could be viable on short deals. Trade options abound, with names such as Reid Detmers, Drew Rasmussen, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and Jacob de Grom on the radar. Expect Baltimore to swing for a high‑caliber starter before the deadline.