Should Orioles sign a power-hitting DH in free agency? | MAILBAG

Question: For 2026, I think the Orioles need more than pitching help. They need a power hitter, which they did not have this year. When your leading home run hitters have only 17 homers for the year, that is terrible. Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle and Tyler O’Neill all lost their power from previous seasons.

When the Orioles were successful during 2023 and 2024, the power numbers were way up. What do you think the chances of signing a power hitter are? If they did, who do you think it might be? I would love to see Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso. Neither play the field well but they could be designated hitters.

What do you think of this idea? From: John Leach

Answer: John, the Orioles hit 191 home runs this year, down from 235 in 2024, but more than the 183 they hit in 2023. In 2023, no one hit more than 28, so I don’t think it’s vital they have a 30-homer player in order to win.

Jordan Westburg hit 17 home runs in 85 games. That would translate to 32 home runs in a full season, and I think it’s likely that Henderson bounces back in 2026. Jackson Holliday’s power is increasing, and he could approach 30 home runs next year, too.

More than a strict power hitter, I think they need some outfielders who can provide power but also hit for average and play the field well.

If they’re going to spend big money, I’d rather they spend it on outfielders than a designated hitter.

Question: I scrolled to the Ryan Mountcastle article and it’s sad to think there might not be room for Mounty even with his superior defense at first (which may be needed with Gunnar Henderson’s sometimes suspect throws).

But if it comes to that and the O’s can’t find a home for him, you would think the Toronto Blue Jays would swoop him up in a “New York” minute, right? I know they have Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first but even to spell him and DH? Even though he’s slowed a little in recent years (probably because of injuries), isn’t he still hitting close to .300 vs. them lifetime? The early years he just killed them. From: Paul

Answer: Paul, Mountcastle has a lifetime .298 batting average with 19 home runs in 71 games against Toronto. In 34 games in the Rogers Centre, Mountcastle is hitting .278 with eight home runs.

He compiled those statistics hitting against the Blue Jays, not with them.

If the Orioles want to keep Mountcastle for his final season before free agency, they might have to pay him about $8 million. He earned $6.79 million in 2024.

If they trade him before the November 21^st deadline for offering contracts, another team would be obligated to pay him at the arbitration-eligible rate. If the Orioles don’t offer him a contract, then he’s free to sign with another team, and that certainly could happen.

I don’t know based on his recent performance if teams would value him highly, but I’m sure there will be a market for him.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@Baltimore7Baseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.