New Orioles Closer Was Front Office's Priority Signing This Offseason

While the Baltimore Orioles haven't made a splashy move so far, they landed who they really wanted to get this offseason.

The Baltimore Orioles continue to be linked with the elite starters that could become available on the trade market this offseason. It's no surprise either, considering that's the most glaring weakness on this roster that seems ready to compete for a championship right now.

Yet, even though this need is apparent, the front office has not made a move to acquire that type of player.

That's not to say a move isn't coming, it just hasn't happened as of now.

One area the Orioles' front office specifically targeted was backend bullpen help with their star closer, Felix Bautista, out for the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

They were able to sign Craig Kimbrel to a one-year guaranteed deal that provides a stopgap until Bautista returns.

This move was met with little excitement after the lasting memory of the veteran closer was blowing significant moments in the NLCS last season with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Still, Kimbrel had a good year, finishing with a 3.26 ERA across 71 appearances and 69 innings pitched, while recording 23 saves out of 28 opportunities.

Despite his late playoff struggles, Baltimore still viewed him as a priority signing and thinks he can be part of an elite bullpen unit in 2024.

"He could make the bullpen deeper and more dangerous if [Yennier] Cano and others work mainly in setup roles ... The Orioles will take their October chances. They wanted him from the minute he hit free agency, and they got him. They expect to get their money’s worth," according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

With the relief staff seemingly figured out for Opening Day, now the Orioles can turn all their attention to acquiring an elite starter.