Baltimore Orioles Linked to Elite Free Agent Closer by MLB Insider

The Baltimore Orioles are viewed as suitors for the top available free-agent reliever.

The Baltimore Orioles had an impressive season in 2023 and are looking to get better during the offseason. If there was one area that the Orioles needed to improve on, it was their pitching.

That's the focus heading into 2024.

Both in the rotation and bullpen, Baltimore has opportunities to get better this offseason. With Felix Bautista out for the 2024 season, it would make sense if they go out and add a closer to help them continue dominating in the back end of the bullpen.

With lefty Josh Hader available, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com views the Orioles as potential suitors.

"Baltimore had one of the best 1-2 punches in the game at the back end of its bullpen with Félix Bautista and Yennier Cano, but Bautista is out for all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery, leaving a gaping hole in the ninth inning. The Orioles have talked about spending money this offseason, so perhaps adding Hader would make sense as they try to repeat as American League East champs."

While adding somebody of Hader's caliber would be a big help to Baltimore's bullpen, this money could be better suited elsewhere. If the Orioles are going to go out and add a starting pitcher or two, that money should be focused there. With Bautista out, the best idea for them could be to add a cheaper arm.

With others available, Baltimore could go that route. 

Names such as Craig Kimbrell could be better fitted for a team like the Orioles as they wait for their guy to get healthy in 2024.