Baltimore Orioles Face Major Challenge After Félix Bautista’s Injury
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a significant challenge following the injury of their closer, Félix Bautista. The 30-year-old pitcher suffered a torn labrum and rotator cuff during his last start in July, which led to surgery in late August performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. As a result, Bautista will miss the remainder of the 2025 season and likely most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
This injury comes at a critical time for the team, especially after they made several key moves during the 2025 MLB trade deadline. The loss of Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto has left a void in the bullpen, particularly in the closer role. With the upcoming free agency period in 2026 expected to be highly competitive, the Orioles must look for viable options to fill this gap.
Potential Candidates to Replace Bautista
There are several players who could potentially step into the closer role or provide valuable relief pitching for the Orioles. Here are three notable names that the team should consider:
1) Taylor Rogers (CHC)
Taylor Rogers has shown promise as a left-handed reliever, with impressive statistics in the 2025 season. He recorded 47 appearances, posting a 2.29 ERA over 39.1 innings pitched. His performance includes 34 hits allowed, 20 walks, and 43 strikeouts. While his walk rate is slightly high at 11.7%, his ability to limit damage and keep runners off base makes him an attractive option.
Rogers also excels as a groundball pitcher, with over 40% of batted balls resulting in groundouts. This trait helps reduce home run risk, which is crucial for a team looking to stabilize its bullpen. Additionally, he is projected to have a relatively low market value, estimated at around $3.6 million for 2026. This makes him a cost-effective choice for the Orioles, especially considering their payroll constraints.
2) Trey Gibson (Triple-A Norfolk)
Trey Gibson, an undrafted player signed in 2023, has emerged as a strong candidate from within the organization. In 2025, he posted a 5-5 record with 99.2 innings pitched, allowing 68 hits and 33 walks. His 1.01 WHIP and 147 strikeouts highlight his effectiveness on the mound.
Gibson’s five-pitch arsenal includes a fastball that reaches 94 mph, along with a curveball and cutter. His sinker has been particularly effective, generating a 50% whiff rate in Triple-A. Although he may need more experience to transition to the major leagues, his potential makes him a valuable asset for the Orioles’ farm system.
3) Devin Williams (NYY)
Devin Williams presents a different kind of opportunity. Despite a 5.01 ERA in 2025, his underlying metrics suggest he could still be a productive reliever. He ranks in the 95th percentile for chase, whiff, and strikeout rates, indicating his ability to generate swings and misses. However, his performance has been affected by a high barrel rate, which has impacted his overall results.
Williams’ struggles may be due to bad luck rather than a decline in skill. If he becomes available in free agency, the Orioles could consider him as a potential fit. His experience and track record make him a viable option, especially if the team is looking for a veteran presence in the bullpen.
Preparing for the Future
With the loss of Bautista, the Orioles must act quickly to secure reliable pitching options. Whether through free agency, internal development, or trades, the team needs to find a solution to fill the void left by their former closer. By evaluating these candidates and making strategic decisions, the Orioles can position themselves for success in the coming seasons.
