Orioles Face Major Challenges After Bautista’s Surgery

The Baltimore Orioles are facing significant challenges this offseason following the announcement that closer Félix Bautista will undergo shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. This marks Bautista’s second major procedure in two years, and he is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season. The news adds urgency to General Manager Mike Elias as he navigates a complex offseason filled with multiple roster needs.

Before Bautista’s injury, the Orioles had already been preparing for a demanding winter. The team requires at least one, potentially two, starting pitching upgrades, as well as solutions for the outfield and infield. With Cedric Mullins sidelined, they will need a center fielder, and the departure of Ramón Laureano calls for a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Additionally, the infield requires a utility player to fill the role left vacant by Ramón Urías. The most pressing concern now is finding a new closer to replace Bautista, who was a dominant force on the mound.

The Orioles received a notable return at the trade deadline, acquiring 16 prospects for nine role players, five of whom were on expiring contracts. This influx of talent, including seven players ranked among the team’s top 30 by Baseball America, could prove beneficial for future trades. However, it has created a pressing need to fill gaps in the current roster, particularly in the bullpen, which suffered significant losses with the trades.

Rebuilding the bullpen with Bautista as the anchor seemed daunting yet manageable. The current situation, however, complicates matters as the Orioles now grapple with finding a reliable pitcher for the ninth inning. Since the trade deadline, the team’s bullpen ranks in the bottom ten of the MLB in several categories, including ERA (4.83), walk rate (12%), and WHIP (1.54).

Despite the bleak outlook, there is potential for the Orioles to discover promising talent. Alongside relievers Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano, who have proven success, a group of emerging pitchers is making their case for a spot in the bullpen. Dietrich Enns, acquired in a low-profile cash trade, has posted a 2.89 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings, often in high-leverage situations. Kade Strowd, the only player drafted by Elias to debut with the Orioles, boasts a 2.19 ERA across ten outings. Other candidates like Grant Wolfram and Yaramil Hiraldo have shown flashes of talent, although inconsistency remains a concern.

The need for a new closer adds to the urgency of the offseason. The free-agent market offers a range of options, from elite pitchers like Edwin Díaz and Robert Suárez, who are likely to opt out of their contracts in search of lucrative deals, to more budget-friendly choices like Emilio Pagán and Kyle Finnegan. The Orioles must weigh the cost of replacing Bautista against the need for stability in the bullpen.

While the Orioles have had success in reviving the careers of relievers under Elias, their past acquisitions have not always panned out. The team will need to be strategic in their approach to the free-agent market, especially given their previous struggles with injured pitchers.

As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Orioles must address these challenges head-on. The loss of Bautista is a significant setback, but it also opens the door for new opportunities. The coming months will be critical as Elias works to reshape the team and position them for success in the 2026 season.