There is just over a month away before players will start to report for MLB spring training. The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the more interesting teams this winter in terms of moves made.
First, they acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels. Then, at the Winter Meetings in December, they landed one of the biggest free agents when they signed Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. In doing so, they kept him away from the Boston Red Sox.
As far as the starting rotation goes, it is still a work in progress. They have acquired Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays and re-signed Zach Eflin, but they remain linked to some free-agent arms. Ranger Suarez and Framber Valdez are the top two remaining names. As far as the trade market goes, there is one pitcher who could be available that would fill a need, according to one MLB writer.
Baltimore Orioles Urged to Trade for Freddy Peralta
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report listed five trades that would fill needs for teams. For Baltimore, Reuter urged them to trade for Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. He would be the missing piece to the Orioles’ starting rotation they need.
“Despite trading for Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin, the Orioles remain linked to the market’s top arms as they seek a proven frontline starter to join Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish, who will both be searching for fully healthy seasons in 2026. If they’re not in love with Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez as a potential fit, they have the farm system firepower for a “Corbin Burnes 2.0″ trade with Milwaukee,” Reuter wrote.
How could they not be in love with Suarez or Valdez? They would be long-term pieces for the rotation. Peralta is entering the final year of his current contract. According to Spotrac, Peralta is owed $8 million in 2026. He will be a free agent in 2027.
If the season started today, Baltimore would have an impressive rotation on paper. Dean Kramer, Trevor Rogers, Kyle Braish, Eflin, and Baz is the projected rotation now. Adding Peralta would make it deep enough rotation to compete in the tough American League East.
Orioles Have Prospects to Get a Deal Done
If there is one team that could pull off a Peralta trade, it would be the Orioles. They have a deep farm system to get a deal done. Reuter projected Dylan Beavers, Cade Povich, and Joseph Dzierwa being the package heading back to Milwaukee. Trading Peralta would fit the mold of what the Brewers have done in past situations.
“The Brewers were proactive in trading Corbin Burnes, Josh Hader, and Devin Williams before losing them in free agency, so they are no stranger to this sort of move,” Reuter wrote.
Valdez and Suarez are not the only two options remaining in free agency. They are the two best, but there are other options. Chris Bassitt of the Toronto Blue Jays is another option for the Orioles, and there is also Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox. They are another arm away from being a factor in the AL East in 2026.
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