The Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with most of their arbitration-eligible players before the Jan. 8 deadline.<\/p>\n
Baltimore did not agree to terms<\/a> with two players, pitchers Keegan Akin<\/a> and Kyle Bradish<\/a>, and will not head to a hearing. New outfield acquisition Taylor Ward<\/a> agreed to a $12.175 million deal, while pitcher Shane Baz<\/a> agreed to a $3.5 million deal, among other players.<\/p>\n Orioles reach agreements with 9 players on 2026 contracts; Akin, Bradish could be headed to arbitration https:\/\/t.co\/65Kwmb5AjJ<\/a> #Orioles<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Gunnar Henderson<\/a> signed an $8.5 million deal, which is the largest amount signed by a first-time arbitration player for the Orioles. Catcher Adley Rutschman<\/a> also signed a $7.25 million contract.<\/p>\n The team\u2019s payroll sits<\/a> at $183 million as of Jan. 12, which could mean the team has room for one, perhaps two, more big-time players.<\/p>\n Valdez Might Be Off The Table, But Options Remain<\/p>\n The team reportedly aims to have a $200 million payroll<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez<\/a>, who the team has been linked to this offseason, is still estimated to get a $33 million AAV contract. Ranger Suarez<\/a> is also expected to get a $26 million payroll. The team may trade away first baseman Ryan Mountcastle<\/a> and other players to afford them and stay within their budget.<\/p>\n Other options remain if they are unable to do so. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt<\/a> could be an option, finishing 2025 with an 11-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. Zac Gallen<\/a>, 30, is also another big-name choice who could sign for less than $20 million.<\/p>\n Zac Gallen has outperformed his xERA 5\/7 of his seasons in MLB and I\u2019m supposed to believe after a poor 2025 that he can\u2019t get back to this?<\/p>\n Really think putting him in front of this #Cubs<\/a> defense with some tweaks has real potential to provide serious value! pic.twitter.com\/cDaR9WOupJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Northside Soundtrack (@CHC_DataDrive) January 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n With Zach Eflin<\/a> returning to the rotation, however, the team could look to sign bullpen help in Paul Sewald<\/a> or Tommy Kahnle<\/a>.<\/p>\n Could The Orioles Get One More Bat?<\/p>\n Signing Pete Alonso<\/a> 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<\/a> and Samuel Basallo<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bo Bichette<\/a> is not coming to Baltimore because of the logjam, while the team looks locked in with Colton Cowser<\/a> and Dylan Beavers<\/a> to round out the outfield. Their last offensive move could come in the form of a utility player to round out their lineup.<\/p>\n Look for the team to consider Isiah Kiner-Falefa<\/a> or Jorge Mateo<\/a> for a one or two-year deal. They could also just stick with Jeremiah Jackson<\/a> and be done with offensive upgrades. Regardless, they have the money to spend, and they will use it effectively this time around.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Main Photo Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t