Going into the 2026 season, one team that could make some noise is the Baltimore Orioles. They made some significant offseason moves to compete in what has turned into a loaded American League East Division.
After missing the playoffs in 2025, the front office spent some money over the winter. They beat out the Boston Red Sox for former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. They also made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire Taylor Ward. Right before spring training began, they signed Toronto Blue Jays free agent right-hander Chris Bassitt. Baltimore also added Ryan Helsey to the bullpen.
Those moves were necessary, given how the rest of the division was going. The Blue Jays are coming off a trip to the World Series and came within 90 feet of beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7. Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees are going to get injured pitchers back, while the Red Sox loaded up their starting rotation. If there is one more move for the Orioles to make, it’s adding to their bullpen. They were linked to one free agent in a potential reunion before Opening Day.
Baltimore Orioles Urged to Sign Danny Coulombe
One remaining free agent relief pitcher who is still available is left-hander Danny Coulombe. The 36-year-old has spent 11 seasons in the majors. He spent two of those 11 seasons in Baltimore, and they were urged to consider re-signing him before Opening Day by Chris Landers of FanSided.
“It’s a mystery why Coulombe has yet to sign with a team, considering the constant need for lefty relievers and the fact that he’s pitched to a 2.38 ERA with over a strikeout per inning over the last three seasons. Two of those seasons came in Baltimore, and it just so happens that the O’s could use another left-handed look in the bullpen beyond Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns,” wrote Landers.
Every team could use bullpen help. Baltimore is no exception. Coulombe was very good, as Landers wrote during his two years there. He pitched 81 innings over the two seasons with 90 strikeouts and a 2.1 WAR. He had a 2.2 WAR with the Minnesota Twins in four seasons in the Twin Cities.
Baltimore Orioles Should Consider Signing Danny Coulombe
Landers also listed Boston as a team that should consider signing Coulombe. Manager Alex Cora does have questions surrounding the backend of the bullpen, but it feels like the Orioles could use Coulombe more.
“Coulombe is too good of a pitcher, even at age 36, to remain unsigned for long. If not Baltimore, a team like Boston could also make sense,” Landers wrote.
The AL East is going to be a gauntlet in 2026, which makes each move that much bigger. Boston, New York, and Toronto all have some key left-handed hitters, which makes Coulombe valuable to any team. Compared to the rest of the contenders in the division, Baltimore’s margin for error seems less. Every move could matter.
Baltimore will certainly be in the mix this season, but any additions they can make feel like they should consider? Bringing back Coulombe would be one of those decisions.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Orioles Urged To Sign Former Reliever To Bolster Bullpen Depth appeared first on Heavy Sports.