Sources: Orioles open to trading almost anyone in search for rotation and outfield help

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The Orioles are poised for an active winter of transactions, according to multiple industry sources who have been been briefed on Baltimore’s plans. The main priorities, sources said, are for the Orioles to upgrade in the rotation and in the outfield.

To do so, the Orioles are maintaining a willingness to listen in trade discussions on every player except Pete Alonso, the sources said, although that doesn’t guarantee drastic change.

The Orioles are at a critical juncture after having experienced two straight losing seasons. With general manager Jared Banner now aboard, he and president of baseball operations Mike Elias are evaluating many options. Sources noted that a trade involving shortstop Gunnar Henderson isn’t likely and would cost a steep returning price to Baltimore, but at this point, the Orioles are keeping their options open on all fronts.

While Baltimore has multiple avenues it can pursue, what is apparent at this earlypoint is that the team is seeking at least one starting pitcher, as well as upgrades in the outfield and at catcher, the sources said.

Sources noted that the Orioles aren’t actively shopping their players. They remain open-minded as they consider how to steer Baltimore toward the postseason.

The Orioles’ rotation includes right-handers Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz, as well as breakout starter Brandon Young, but left-hander Trevor Rogers is set to become a free agent unless he accepts the qualifying offer that is likely coming his way Monday. It’s possible Baltimore could seek a short-term solution in the rotation until one of their highly promising prospects is ready.

Left-hander Joseph Dzierwa and right-hander Anthony Eyanson reached Double-A this year.

One path they could take, one source said, is trading one of their late-inning relievers. Baltimore has Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista under contract for 2027. One source said the Orioles may be open to using one of them to acquire a major leaguer in return. But injury concerns for both could limit their appeal.

Meanwhile, the Orioles have an infield surplus. Particularly at third base, there is a stockpile in the form of Coby Mayo, Blaze Alexander, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jordan Westburg, who is returning from elbow surgery.

Mayo, especially, has seen his value rise. After struggling for portions of his early major league life, the 24-year-old broke out in 2026 as an everyday bat capable of more than just power production. At the very least, opposing teams see him as a dangerous hitter against left-handed pitching, but the upside remains promising.

The outfield equation is uncertain, given the lack of production from some of Baltimore’s breakthrough prospects. Colton Cowser has established himself as a strong defender, be it in center or left field, but he hit .226. Dylan Beavers has been a below-average defender, and he coupled that with a .228 average. Tyler O’Neill is a two-time Gold Glove winner, but he has struggled to remain healthy, and his bat has been spotty at best.

Baltimore would benefit from another corner outfielder, particularly one who improves the team’s defense.

The catcher conundrum is fascinating. Baltimore traded catcher Adley Rutschman at the deadline to the Boston Red Sox and the club appears to be bought into the future of Samuel Basallo after signing him to an eight-year extension last year.

But as he undergoes the learning curve that is major league baseball, hitting .222 in 112 games, Baltimore could look to upgrade at backstop. The Orioles ran with Carlos Narváez, acquired from the Red Sox, as their other catcher. But he hit .104 with Baltimore.