Who are potential Orioles’ offseason acquisitions? | MAILBAG

Question: Who do you foresee as potential acquisitions this offseason, either via trade or free agency? From: Mike Sherman

Answer: Mike, I think the Orioles need to sign or trade for at least two potential starting pitchers. If this season has taught us nothing else, it’s that you need many options for starting pitchers.

Assuming Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are the top two starters, and Dean Kremer is the fourth or fifth and hoping that Grayson Rodriguez is the third, I think the Orioles need a proven starter to fit in the middle of the rotation.

Dylan Cease seems to be the best, and there are also some proven starters — Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber, Nestor Cortes, Zac Gallen, Miles Mikolas, Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez listed as potential free agents.

I think they need a proven closer. If Edwin Diaz is on the market, I’d grab him.

They also need a handful of relievers to replace the four they traded. While Kade Strowd had a nice couple of months, they’ll need several proven arms.

I think they could use two right-handed hitting outfielders. If San Diego doesn’t bring back Ramón Laureano, and I think they will, I’d re-sign him. If Cody Bellinger is available, he would be interesting even if he bats left-handed. It doesn’t look like a strong class of outfielders, but Harrison Bader’s athleticism has always impressed me.

Question: What’s John Means’ status with Cleveland? Is it likely they pick up his option for next year? If not, he might be an intriguing pickup for the O’s. From: WB

Answer: WB, John Means has a $6 million option with Cleveland this year. Means pitched in seven minor league rehab games, and after investing $1 million on him this year with little likelihood of him producing at the major league level, I would guess that the Guardians would pick up his option for next season.

I would love to see John Means back with the Orioles, but I’m guessing he’ll be in Cleveland in 2026.

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