Report: Orioles aiming to add up to 2 starters, contend in 2018

The Baltimore Orioles are potentially gearing up for one last hurrah before a looming reset.

The Orioles reportedly have no plans to shop All-Star third baseman Manny Machado this offseason, even though the infielder's about to enter his final season before free agency. In fact, the club is apparently hoping to add reinforcements that will make the Orioles more competitive immediately. Baltimore's looking to acquire up to two starting pitchers in an effort to contend in 2018, MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reported Thursday, citing a source.

Baltimore's rotation is arguably among the most pressing matters for the club to address this winter, which may explain the team's desire to add fresh faces. Orioles starters posted a combined 5.64 ERA, the worst such mark in all of baseball, and their .283 opponents' batting average ranks third-worst in MLB.

After a disappointing 2017 that's seen them linger in the bottom half of the AL East, the Orioles' hopes of contending in the near future may hinge entirely on 2018. Not only will their superstar third baseman be approaching free agency following next season, but center fielder Adam Jones and skipper Buck Showalter will hit the open market if extensions aren't negotiated beforehand.