Baltimore Orioles Could Trade All-Star Closer
Kostka also wrote that the Orioles are not aggressively shopping their players, and that injury concerns around both pitchers could limit how much they bring back in a deal.
What Baltimore Needs
Kostka reported that the Orioles want to add at least one starting pitcher and are looking at a short-term fix in the rotation while prospects like Joseph Dzierwa and Anthony Eyanson, who both reached Double-A this year, continue to develop.
An upgrade in the outfield is also a priority, especially a corner outfielder who would improve the team’s defense, and the club wants a better option at catcher after a tough year at the plate behind it.
The Orioles will listen on everyone except Pete Alonso, per The Baltimore Banner. That includes Gunnar Henderson. A deal isn't likely. But a lot of dynasty value lives on this roster, and a few of these guys could gain value in a new home. Here's how I'm playing each one.
— Dynatyze Baseball (@DynatyzeBB) November 4, 2026
The Orioles are willing to listen on every player except Pete Alonso, Kostka wrote, though he cautioned that this does not guarantee drastic change, and he described a Gunnar Henderson trade as unlikely and costly.
Baltimore finished fourth in the AL East and missed the postseason for a second straight year, which explains why the front office is open to reshaping the roster rather than standing pat.
The Two Relievers
Bautista is 31 and was one of the best closers in the game before his shoulder gave out, as he posted a 2.60 ERA with 19 saves and 50 strikeouts in 34.2 innings in 2025 before surgery in August to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff.
That operation came after he missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery, and he made it back to the mound late this season, with the Orioles easing him back after a long rehab.
He signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration and is eligible for arbitration again this winter, which would make him a modestly priced piece for a contender if his shoulder holds up.
Ryan Helsley opts into his $14 million option with the team Do you see him as the closer in 2027 with Felix Bautista as a set up man or vice versa? #Birdland https://t.co/W4EbIktxFE
— SleeperOrioles (@SleeperOrioles) October 29, 2026
Helsley is 32 and a two-time All-Star who led the majors in saves in 2024, and he signed a two-year, $28 million deal with Baltimore last December that included a $14 million player option for 2027.
An elbow problem limited him to 17 appearances this year, and he exercised the option late last month, which guarantees him $14 million and, according to the contract, a $500,000 assignment bonus if he is traded.
The Orioles are counting on both arms to bounce back, but with each coming off an injury-shortened season, neither is likely to command the kind of return a healthy closer would, which is the complication Kostka’s source pointed to.
