It is an assumption around the league that the Orioles\u2019 offseason work is not done just yet. Specifically, they want to upgrade their rotation. Less specifically, if reports are to be believed, they seemingly aren\u2019t settled on any one arm in particular.<\/p>\n
Framber Valdez is considered the top pitcher left on the free agent market, and the Orioles have been connected to him for months now. Reporting indicates that the O\u2019s have made an offer, although details on that are fuzzy. But it would seem that Valdez is hoping for a bigger, better offer to come his way.<\/p>\n
Lurking in the background of those conversations is another free agent, Zac Gallen. A year ago, it seemed like the righty was poised to sign a big contract this winter. He was coming off of three straight years with an ERA of 3.65 or better, and had earned Cy Young votes in three of his previous five campaigns. But he struggled in 2025, compiling a 4.83 ERA, and saw his strikeout rate dip for the third year in a row. On top of that, he was extended a qualifying offer by the Diamondbacks, adding a layer of cost consideration to his free agency.<\/p>\n
Even still, Gallen is a bonafide big league starter with an impressive resume. If the price is right, teams could be willing to take the risk that he will bounce back and get back to his lofty standards. After all, Gallen was much better in the second half of the year (3.97 ERA) than he was in the first half (5.40 ERA). Maybe he found something with his mechanics that he can lean on for a much better 2026 season.<\/p>\n
Gallen\u2019s free agency has been an adventure. Back in early December<\/a>, USA Today\u2019s Bob Nightengale reported that Gallen was close to finalizing a deal with the Chicago Cubs that would pay $22 million per year. That was quickly refuted by ESPN\u2019s Jeff Passan. Now, a month-and-a-half later, Gallen remains on the market.<\/p>\n The latest reporting on the pitcher comes from Jon Heyman<\/a>. Appearing on MLB Network Tuesday evening, Heyman described the Orioles as \u201cin on Zac Gallen,\u201d alongside the Cubs, with a return to the Diamondbacks also on the table. That would be a rather new development for the O\u2019s, who have only been tangentially linked to Gallen throughout the winter, as they have been to just about any pitcher with a pulse.<\/p>\n This could also be viewed as a broader negotiating tactic. The Orioles want Valdez\u2019s camp to know they have other options. Gallen\u2019s team might be trying to push the Cubs or Diamondbacks for an extra year or more money in their offers. In that way, the two sides can use each other without truly being involved or interested in one another.<\/p>\n Or maybe the Orioles do actually sign Gallen. Who knows. Please just let it be spring already and let me stop reading \u201crumors.\u201d I\u2019m all set!<\/p>\n MLB Rumors: Zac Gallen Gets Latest Update with Potential Suitors | Yardbarker<\/a>
Just a re-link of the one mentioned above. Gallen is an intriguing arm. He will probably be cheaper than Valdez, and he is two years younger. But he is also coming off of a far worse season, and there are worrying trends in his pitch data. If the money makes sense, the Orioles could still sign him, but Valdez feels like their preference.<\/p>\n