3 players for Baltimore Orioles to target this offseason

The rebuild is over for the Baltimore Orioles.

So said general manager Mike Elias after the trade deadline despite their trading Trey Mancini and Jorge Lopez. While those deals were unpopular enough where he headed to Houston to speak to key pieces of the Orioles future, he made certain to state that the team was ready to contend next year. As he indicated that payroll will significantly increase for next year, it is likely that the Orioles will be major players in free agency.

Three players the Baltimore Orioles should target

The Orioles do have several needs. They could use pieces in the rotation, especially a top of the rotation arm. Another impact bat, especially in the middle infield, could make a difference. And while the bullpen was a strength last season, they may not be able to replicate that performance next year. It will not be a matter of adding a piece or two and returning to the postseason.

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to compete in 2023. Let’s take a look at three players that they should target this offseason.

Carlos Correa

The Baltimore Orioles had been considered a possible option for Carlos Correa during the 2021-22 offseason.

At the time, the logic was that Correa would send a message that the Orioles would be ready soon. He would be a mentor for the likes of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and the young roster – a player with a winning pedigree that could help turn the culture of the franchise around. He ultimately signed in Minnesota on a three year deal with opt-outs after each season.

Now the Orioles have another chance at Correa. He is set to opt-out of his deal and test the open market once again, looking for a longer term deal with a better payout. And he might get that in Baltimore.

He would be the perfect fit in their lineup. Correa’s presence would allow Henderson to slide over to second while turning Jorge Mateo into a utility option. He would add another impact bat to the middle of the lineup, another formidable presence that could make the Orioles that much more dangerous. And he would send a message that the Orioles are truly ready to contend.

Carlos Correa could be the missing piece in the Baltimore Orioles lineup. He would certainly send a message to the rest of the league.

Jacob deGrom

The Baltimore Orioles need a top of the rotation arm, especially with John Means on the shelf until the middle of the year. That could lead to the top of the market.

According to reports, the Orioles are expected to be a significant factor in the deGrom market this offseason. It does make sense – they need an ace in order to truly contend in the AL East and are going to increase payroll. Why not go after the top option available?

There are some concerns with deGrom. He has battled injuries in each of the past two seasons and is going to turn 35 years old in June. However, he has dominated when he has been on the mound, posting a 2.05 ERA and a 0.868 WHiP in his 645.1 innings since the beginning of 2018, striking out 876 batters with just 127 walks.

He would be a stabilizing piece in a rotation that needs one. Grayson Rodriguez is going to get a look some time in 2023 and DL Hall should enter the rotation as well. Of the pieces already on the roster, Dean Kremer is the starter that looks like he should be part of the future rotation. But that is not going to be enough – the Orioles need an ace.

The starting rotation has to be a focal point for the Baltimore Orioles this offseason. Jacob deGrom may be a longshot, but they are going to have plenty of money to spend.