So far in free agency, it has been an unexpected one for the Baltimore Orioles. They made a splash by signing former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso over the Boston Red Sox. That is a major addition while taking away an option for a division rival.
The Orioles have also added outfielder Taylor Ward, while also getting pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade. There is still another need for a starting pitcher if Baltimore is going to contend in the much-improved American League East.
The top two remaining free agents, as far as starting pitchers go, are Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez. Baltimore has kicked the tires on both, and they are predicted to land one by Bleacher Report.
Orioles Predicted to Land Ranger Suarez in Free Agency
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report updated his predictions for the top remaining free agents. His previous prediction for Suarez was to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, Kelly has changed his prediction to the Orioles.
Last month, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Baltimore is looking for a top-end rotation piece. Suarez would be a top-end piece that the Orioles need.
“Suárez is such a difficult free agent to figure out, because he’s spent time on the injured list with back-related issues in three of the last four years, and his average fastball velocity dipped from 93.4 mph in 2023 to 91.3 mph in 2025,” wrote Kelly.
That should not worry the Orioles if you look at Suarez’s overall numbers. He was 12-8 for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025 with a 3.20 ERA. His lowest in four years. He had a 4.7 WAR with a career-high 151 strikeouts in 157.1 innings pitched in 26 starts.
“At the same time, he’s thrived as both a starter and a reliever on the biggest stages. When the Phillies needed someone to close out their 2022 NL pennant, they turned to Suárez. He’s made his fair share of big starts as well, and has a 1.48 ERA across 42.2 career postseason innings,” Kelly wrote.
Ranger Suarez is the Top-End Starter the Orioles Need
Just in the AL East, the Blue Jays have loaded up with Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres at the top of their rotation. The New York Yankees are expected to get Gerrit Cole back, while the Red Sox have added Sonny Gray. The division is getting better, and Baltimore needs to as well.
Kelly predicted a four-year, $110 million contract for Suarez with a player opt-out available after 2027. Whether or not the Orioles come close to that remains to be seen. There are going to be several suitors for him.
“Questions about how he’ll hold up as he ages will limit the amount of years that the former All-Star can get, but the Orioles, Cubs, and Mets continue to be great fits for the long-time Phillie,” Kelly wrote.
Suarez is the type of pitcher Baltimore needs to compete in the AL East and to be a contender. This is certainly something they need to pursue with spring training just six weeks away.
Orioles Get Promising Update in Pursuit of All-Star Free Agent Pitcher