LAS VEGAS—President of baseball operations Mike Elias has a clear set of priorities for what he’s looking for to improve the Orioles in 2027.
“I think our main areas of focus are boosting the outfield, solidifying the starting rotation with at least one guy, maybe more,” Elias said. “I think that our catching is good, but that’s an areas that we could explore improvements as well. Those are really the three main areas.
“The infield is the only part of the team that we feel is pretty well populated at this point, and so it’s those other areas that we’ll be looking for.”
Elias contends the Orioles maintain interest in free agent left-hander Trevor Rogers, to whom the team extended a $23.15 million qualifying offer after not offering him an extension during the season. Rogers has until November 17th to make a decision.
“We’d like to retain him,” Elias said. “We have to let the QO process play out. About to be an open market here for both sides, and I think both sides will explore that market.”
Rogers, who was elected Most Valuable Oriole in 2025, was 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA in 30 starts, is one of the most attractive starters on the free-agent market.
“He was terrific for us the last year-and-a half,” Elias said. “Having a bit power lefty like that fits in so well with our rotation, and we know what a great guy he is behind the scenes. So I’m going to be talking to them and doing our best.”
Elias couldn’t say whether he thought the Orioles’ additions would come via the free agent or trade route.
“I can’t tell yet, we’re exploring both,” he said. “We definitely have the ability to use dollars to improve the roster, whether that’s free agency or trading for players that are kind of under larger contracts.
“We have that ability. We’re not biased in one direction or the other this year, so just whatever player we like the best, whatever move we like the best, whatever move we like the best, that’s what we’ll do.”
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