The Baltimore Orioles are strategically positioning themselves as they approach the 2026 season, with decisions looming over a handful of players set to become free agents. Following the 2023 season, the team did not re-sign notable players such as Adam Frazier, Kyle Gibson, and Aaron Hicks, opting to move forward with new talent. This winter, Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias will face fewer choices, with just three pending free agents: catcher Gary Sánchez and pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Zach Eflin.
In addition, the team must evaluate players with options or opt-out clauses, including outfielder Tyler O’Neill and utilityman Jorge Mateo. As Major League Baseball (MLB) free agency opens five days after the World Series, the Orioles can negotiate with their free agents during this period.
Assessing Potential Returns
As the Orioles consider their roster for 2026, here’s a look at the players most likely to return, ranked from least to most probable.
Gary Sánchez is unlikely to remain with the Orioles after a challenging season. The team signed him for $8.5 million last offseason, but injuries limited his performance, leading to a .715 OPS and a negative 0.4 wins above replacement (WAR) according to Baseball-Reference. With promising catchers Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo, and Alex Jackson on the roster, Sánchez’s position appears precarious.
Next is Tomoyuki Sugano, who expressed his desire to continue playing in MLB after finishing his rookie season with a 4.64 ERA. The Orioles signed the veteran pitcher for $13 million, but given their history of acquiring new starters, it seems unlikely he will return, especially if he seeks a contract similar to or higher than his previous one.
Zach Eflin had a promising start with the Orioles after his acquisition at the 2024 trade deadline, but he struggled with injuries in 2025, ending with a 5.93 ERA. Despite being a candidate for the qualifying offer of $22.02 million, the team is expected to pursue a one-year deal for him elsewhere, given his injury history.
Options and Decisions Ahead
The Orioles will also need to weigh their options on several players. Relief pitcher Dietrich Enns has a $3 million club option. Although he performed well after joining the team, posting a 3.14 ERA in 28.2 innings, the organization’s previous refusal to exercise a more expensive option last offseason raises doubts about his future.
Shortstop Jorge Mateo is another player under scrutiny, with a $5.5 million option that the Orioles are likely to decline after a season marred by injuries and a disappointing batting average of .177. Despite his struggles at the plate, Mateo’s speed and defensive versatility may lead the Orioles to retain him, potentially signing him to a minor league deal.
The only player assured to remain is Tyler O’Neill, who is expected to opt into the final two years of his contract, totaling $33 million. After a season that saw him play just 54 games and post a .684 OPS, O’Neill will aim to revitalize his career and fulfill expectations as a power hitter against left-handed pitching.
As the Orioles navigate these decisions, their approach will shape the team’s future and ambitions in the upcoming seasons. The organization’s track record of moving on from players may influence how they handle these contracts, making the next few months crucial for the franchise’s direction.
