The Orioles need several things to go right next season if they hope to make the playoffs. The infield could do its part if Gunnar Henderson returns to form, Jordan Westburg stays healthy, and/or Jackson Holliday takes a step forward. The rotation could carry its weight if Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz pitch like top of the rotation arms, the team resigns Trevor Rogers, and/or a young guy or two hits the ground running. The bullpen could do some heavy lifting if Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista remain
active, Alex Hoppe and Anthony Nunez develop, and/or Yennier Cano pitches to his potential.
But what about the outfield? Is there any world where Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers and Tyler O’Neill carry this team to the postseason? I don’t think so. With respect to Christian Franklin and Rece Hinds, I don’t exactly see that duo making the difference either.
The outfield, as it is currently constructed, is not viable for a playoff team. Fortunately, the Orioles have an opportunity to add a difference maker or two this offseason.
Seiya Suzuki is available after accumulating 16.2 bWAR over five seasons in Chicago. A quick Google search of Suzuki geneates plenty of articles just like this one. The Mariners view Suzuki as a potential replacement for free agent Randy Arozarena. The Padres have interest, as do the Phillies. Some believe Suzuki should make Toronto his next home, while others think he belongs in Boston. It’s no secret that the Orioles would face plenty of competition in a pursuit of Suzuki. ESPN listed the Tokyo native as the fifth best free agent available this offseason.
The 32-year-old cut his teeth in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before he was posted and signed with the Cubs in 2021. He tallied at least 20 home runs in each of the last four seasons while playing above average defense in the outfield corners. He slashed .270/.368/.473 with a 131 OPS+ and 12 Defensive Runs Saved in 2026. The OPS+ would have been good for second among the Orioles regulars behind only Pete Alonso (149). Christian Encarnacion-Strand posted a 134 OPS+ over 58 games. Cowser (95), Beavers (93) and O’Neill (92) all posted a below average OPS+ last season.
There’s no question that the Orioles need to add in the outfield, but is Suzuki worth the money? MLB Trade Rumors projects Suzuki to sign for four years, $105 million. The same site projects Arozarena to receive a similar four-year, $100 million deal. There’s plenty to like with Arozarena as well, and I won’t knock you if he’s more your taste. Baltimore should pursue both outfielders, but it’s far from a guarantee that the organization could land either one.
Mike Elias has repeatedly stated that the team has the financial power to go out and acquire players like Suzuki. “It doesn’t mean we’re definitely going to do a five-year, $100-plus million deal this offseason, or every offseason. But we have the ability to talk to those players this winter and we’re going to do that.” Suzuki is one of those players.
The team desperately needs some stability in the grass. O’Neill simply cannot stay on the field, and he’s streaky at the dish when healthy. Cowser wowed with his defense, but it’s unclear if he’ll ever match the offensive output from his rookie season. Beavers failed to carry his momentum into 2026, and player development is not linear. Suzuki would immediately become the most dependable outfielder on the roster. He eclipsed 130 games played in each of the last four seasons, posted an above average OPS+ each year, and routinely demonstrated the ability to take a walk.
Suzuki and Arozarena are both expected to reject the qualifying offer, so Baltimore would need to relinquish draft pick compensation if they signed either one. A hundred million and a draft pick is a steep price to pay for a corner outfielder in his 30s, but Suzuki feels like the closest thing to a lock out of the available outfielders to produce over the next few seasons. The Orioles could offset the loss with draft compensation from another team if they fail to resign Rogers.
Maybe Heston Kjerstad fills this role in another universe, but things never worked out in Baltimore. Cowser still has time to improve at the plate, but he brings more value in the outfield grass. Enrique Bradfield Jr., another former first round pick, should debut this season. Unfortunately, Bradfield projects as another plus defender with minimal power.
Elias also floated the idea of some infielders getting reps in the outfield this spring. Blaze Alexander has already played some center, but does the team really trust Coby Mayo or Encarnacion-Strand to cover ground out there? Shouldn’t Jackson Holliday figure things out at the plate before learning a new position?
Signing Suzuki would take a significant financial commitment, but the team needs a difference maker in the outfield. That’s easy for me to say—it’s not my money. Pony up, David!
