Orioles Would Reunite With $90 Million Slugger in Perfect Offseason Prediction

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The Baltimore Orioles have to retool this offseason through free agency.

Pitching is one of the biggest priorities for the Orioles, but they need a slight boost in the lineup. Bringing back Anthony Santander would help the Orioles continue to compete in the AL East.

Baltimore Orioles, Outfielder, Anthony Santander
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Anthony Santander #25 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on... Rob Carr/Getty Images

Team Needs (as of Dec. 19): SP (x2), right-handed hitter, RP

SP: Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty may be viewed as a consolation prize, but his performances last season show otherwise. He produced a 3.17 ERA and recorded a 3.1 WAR between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. His $21 million average annual value fits right in with the Orioles budget.

SP: John Means

John Means has had trouble staying healthy over the last few seasons, so a return to Baltimore is best for both parties. When he's healthy, he's an effective starting pitcher as the Orioles saw in 2019 and 2021. Means could sign on a team-friendly deal, which would allocate more money for the big slugger.

OF: Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander should be the biggest priority this offseason for the Orioles. Their lineup is very lefty-heavy, and they need someone who can provide some pop. Santander checks both boxes as shown by his 44 home runs in 2024. His contract is projected to be around $90 million, but he may consider giving the Orioles a hometown discount.

RP: Jake Junis

There's no such thing as too much bullpen help, and Jake Junis provides incredible value with a great price for any team at just $4.3 million per year. He was a strikeout machine in 2024 with 6.4-1 K/BB ratio. Junis would elevate the Orioles bullpen and strengthen the overall pitching staff in 2025.

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