Baltimore Orioles Expected to Heavily Pursue a Closer This Offseason
Coming off a 101-win season, the Baltimore Orioles already have a great core in place for 2024. They're loaded with young position players and have a solid pitching staff as well, so there's not too much for general manager (and 2023 MLB Executive of the Year) Mike Elias to do this offseason.
One thing the Orioles do need, however, is pitching, specifically at the top of the rotation and the back of their bullpen.
Baltimore is expected to pursue one of the many aces on the market this winter, and could end up signing someone like Aaron Nola to front its rotation for the next few years.
While a proven ace would be a luxury for a rotation that already has Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles have a more pressing need at closer.
According to MLB Network's Mark Feinsand, Elias told him "It would be nice to have somebody with closing experience" to add to the bullpen.
Indeed, Baltimore has a clear need at closer.
All-Star fireman Felix Bautista will miss all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, leaving his ninth-inning role up for grabs.
Unfortunately for the Orioles, they don't have anyone in their bullpen with extensive closing experience. Their best option, then, is to sign or trade for one this offseason.
While Feinsand doesn't expect Baltimore to pursue a pricey All-Star like Josh Hader, almost everyone else appears to be on the table. That includes older veterans like Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and David Robertson, all of whom would likely be open to a one-year deal.
Regardless of who Elias acquires, replacing Bautista appears to be one of his top priorities this offseason. Getting someone who can lock down the ninth inning will be crucial to having another successful year in 2024.
