Could Baltimore Orioles Sign Superstar Closer?

The Baltimore Orioles were one of the best stories in baseball during the regular season.

Their group of young players finished with the American League's best record of 101-61.

Over the previous six years, they only won over 60 games twice.

The Orioles made the postseason for the first time since 2016, but were swept by the Texas Rangers during the ALDS.

It looked like the young team was overmatched and not ready for the moment.

Understandable, considering the new heights they reached almost unexpectedly.

One reason that Baltimore ultimately flamed out was their lack of closer across the late innings.

All-Star Felix Bautista tore his UCL on Aug. 25 and underwent Tommy John surgery Oct. 9. He's expected to miss the entire 2024 season.

The Orioles used a rotation of relievers to close out games after Bautista went down with the injury. Their All-Star Yennier Cano stepped into that role depending on the matchups and could become the full-time closer next year.

Jake Rill of MLB.com reports, "The club would likely prefer to have a set closer in 2024."

The best closer in baseball, Josh Hader, is set to be a free agent in the offseason.

He likely will command a large contract, something that Baltimore might not be willing to give.

However, the Orioles should be aggressive in signing the 29-year-old.

Hader had a resurgent year in 2023, recording an ERA of 1.28 across 61 appearances and closing 33 of 38 save opportunities.

The idea that they could wait until Bautista returns seems like wishful thinking. There's no guarantee that he would return to his All-Star status coming off a year-long layoff and major elbow surgery.

Hader is a known commodity and would massively help this team that finds itself in a contending position for years to come.