All-Star Closer Seen as Surprise Free Agent Target for Orioles
Could the Baltimore Orioles make a surprise move for a top-tier closer this offseason?
Following a disappointing 2025 season, the Orioles are expected to be aggressive in reshaping their roster. After entering the year with high expectations from two straight playoff runs, Baltimore struggled out of the gate and was hampered by injuries—particularly to their pitching staff—finishing at the bottom of the AL East with a 75-87 record.
While finding a new manager and general manager will be top priorities, addressing their injury-depleted pitching staff will also be a major focus. One name being floated as a potential fit is San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.
In a recent Bleacher Report piece, Kerry Miller listed Suárez as a “dark-horse candidate” for Baltimore in free agency. With star closer Félix Bautista expected to miss all of the 2026 season due to shoulder surgery (torn rotator cuff and labrum), the Orioles face uncertainty at the back end of their bullpen.
“With Félix Bautista likely out for all of 2026, Baltimore’s closer situation is a great big question mark once again,” Miller wrote. “The O’s are a strong candidate to sign one of the many closers on the open market this winter, but it’s more likely to be one of the one-year solutions like Kenley Jansen. Maybe they go whole hog for Suárez, though.”
Since debuting with the Padres in 2022, Suárez has quietly become one of MLB’s elite closers. The 34-year-old right-hander is coming off a career-best season, leading the National League with 45 saves while posting a 2.97 ERA, 70 strikeouts, and appearing in a personal-best 70 games. He was also named to his second straight All-Star Game.
Given Baltimore’s bullpen woes and Bautista’s absence, signing Suárez would represent a major upgrade. Still, his age—he turns 35 in March—could give the Orioles pause when considering a long-term or high-cost deal.
That said, Suárez’s recent performance speaks for itself. If the Orioles are serious about returning to contention in 2026, adding a proven closer like Suárez could be a key move in turning things around.
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