It would be foolish for the Orioles to think they can right their broken roster and get back in contention through free agency alone.

Given the limitations of this free agent class, and given how feckless this private-equity ownership group is, and given their unwillingness to spend like a top 10 team, we strongly advise them to explore these trade options with vigor well before the free-agent markets heat up. But these markets are a necessary tool and, no, merely plopping Pete Alonso into this lineup to play first base wasn’t going to fix their systemic rot as an organization in all things fundamental baseball.

There are several potential-impact free agents who would address major failures in Baltimore’s current roster structure and depth chart.…