The Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with most of their arbitration-eligible players before the Jan. 8 deadline.
Baltimore did not agree to terms with two players, pitchers Keegan Akin and Kyle Bradish, and will not head to a hearing. New outfield acquisition Taylor Ward agreed to a $12.175 million deal, while pitcher Shane Baz agreed to a $3.5 million deal, among other players.
Orioles reach agreements with 9 players on 2026 contracts; Akin, Bradish could be headed to arbitration https://t.co/65Kwmb5AjJ #Orioles
— Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB) January 9, 2026
Gunnar Henderson signed an $8.5 million deal, which is the largest amount signed by a first-time arbitration player for the Orioles. Catcher Adley Rutschman also signed a $7.25 million contract.
The team’s payroll sits at $183 million as of Jan. 12, which could mean the team has room for one, perhaps two, more big-time players.
Valdez Might Be Off The Table, But Options Remain
The team reportedly aims to have a $200 million payroll in 2026, well below the luxury tax threshold. With their current estimates nearing that number and several holes remaining in their roster, they may have to tighten their belt.
Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, who the team has been linked to this offseason, is still estimated to get a $33 million AAV contract. Ranger Suarez is also expected to get a $26 million payroll. The team may trade away first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and other players to afford them and stay within their budget.
Other options remain if they are unable to do so. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt could be an option, finishing 2025 with an 11-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. Zac Gallen, 30, is also another big-name choice who could sign for less than $20 million.
Zac Gallen has outperformed his xERA 5/7 of his seasons in MLB and I’m supposed to believe after a poor 2025 that he can’t get back to this?
Really think putting him in front of this #Cubs defense with some tweaks has real potential to provide serious value! pic.twitter.com/cDaR9WOupJ
— Northside Soundtrack (@CHC_DataDrive) January 3, 2026
Gallen, coming off his worst season since 2021 with a 4.83 ERA and 31 home runs surrendered, is looking for a change of scenery. He struggled with getting batters to chase and whiff at pitches, but still holds an effective knuckle curve. The Orioles could help Gallen develop a secondary breaking pitch to revamp his arsenal.
With Zach Eflin returning to the rotation, however, the team could look to sign bullpen help in Paul Sewald or Tommy Kahnle.
Could The Orioles Get One More Bat?
Signing Pete Alonso and trading for Ward signaled the team wants to have more power in the lineup. The Orioles also have a considerable youth movement in their roster, spearheaded by Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo.
Bo Bichette is not coming to Baltimore because of the logjam, while the team looks locked in with Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers to round out the outfield. Their last offensive move could come in the form of a utility player to round out their lineup.
Look for the team to consider Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Jorge Mateo for a one or two-year deal. They could also just stick with Jeremiah Jackson and be done with offensive upgrades. Regardless, they have the money to spend, and they will use it effectively this time around.
Main Photo Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports