The Orioles have been linked to a number of free agents this winter, but so far their sole big league addition has been Kyle Gibson on a one-year, $10MM deal. It seems likely there will be more moves to come for Baltimore as they look to supplement a young core that is starting to look like a contender, but Dan Connolly of The Athletic suggests it’s unlikely they’ll be handing out any long-term deals this winter. Connolly says the Orioles may look to stick more in the 2-3 year term, and while that may rule them out of a big splash, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com relays information from general manager Mike Elias the team has made multi-year offers to free agent pitchers.
The Orioles did have reported interest in Jameson Taillon before he signed a four-year, $68MM deal with the Cubs, while they’ve also been reportedly interested in top remaining free agent starter Carlos Rodon, as well as Noah Syndergaard. Rodon looks set to a command five or six year deal, which looks to be outside Baltimore’s comfort levels, but it’s certainly possible to see them pursuing someone like Syndergaard on a shorter-term, but still multi-year pact. MLBTR predicted a three-year, $36MM deal for him, while the likes of Ross Stripling and Michael Wacha were both predicted to receive two-year deals which could fit in to Baltimore’s plan.
On the other side of the ball, it seems Elias is casting a wide net as he searches for upgrades. Jake Rill of MLB.com relays comments from Elias citing first base, designated hitter, the corner outfield and possibly second base as positions where the Orioles could have vacant playing time.
When asked about the prospect of adding left-handed hitters, Elias has this to say: “We are in talks with players that would be in the starting nine on Opening Day, or however you want to put it. I would view the probable additions at this point that we’re talking to and see out there as guys that will come in and kind of be on the same level as our other starters.”
The team did just add left-handed hitting outfielders Nomar Mazara and Franchy Cordero on minor league deals, and they could well compete for a spot on the big league roster during spring training. Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander currently project as the starting outfield, with Ryan McKenna on the bench. They also just claimed lefty hitting first baseman Lewin Diaz from the Pirates, so the O’s have not been shy in adding left-handed hitters so far.
While Mazara, Cordero and Diaz are all candidates to fill spots on the bench, it seems unlikely any of them would be in the starting nine on opening day if everyone is healthy. So if the Orioles may well seek further left-handed options and are looking to keep things to shorter-term deals, the likes of Joey Gallo, Dominic Smith or Brandon Belt could appeal.
As Kubatko tweets, a starter and a left handed bat appear the top priorities for the Orioles, but the team would also like to add a veteran reliever, as well as a backup catcher on a major league deal. Dillon Tate is currently the veteran in the Orioles’ bullpen with just over three years of service time, so it makes sense that they’d look for a more experienced arm to add to that group. On the catching front, Adley Rutschman is the only backstop on the 40-man roster.
So where does this leave Baltimore as far as payroll is concerned? Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com relays that Elias says payroll is expected to increase steadily over the coming seasons. That would be appear to be in line with the sort of additions the Orioles are looking to make over the coming months. Instead of making a big splash and committing long term dollars to a single player, the team looks likely to shop around for incremental additions to support their young core.
Add all that up it says “We aren’t ready yet”.
Another translation is – we have no clue what we are doing
Oh yes, that’s right, they have only rebuilt the organization, basically from the ground up, have arguably the best farm system in the game and just had one of the best improvement year over year in baseball history, but sure, they have no idea what they are doing…
Hopefully he isn’t saying that because they are ready. When you win that many games and have that much young talent you have to fill every single hole. Won’t be long before they need to be traded or become expensive free agents if they refuse team friendly deals. Lots of good free agents left.
O’s are the same as the Guardians…..
They aren’t going to go more than 2-3 years on a FA (if that) because they know that some of their young players are going to become very good, and will be due nice raises. If they’re stuck with a high long-term contract or two they may resign their young stars, but some to their other players will have to be let go.
The O’s and Guardians aren’t going to do what the White Sox did which backed them into a corner.
@Samuel, thanks for turning me on to the Guardians model. Per your post, I agree with shorter deals for pitchers. For position players, I gravitate more towards the Braves model. Guys like Rutschman and Mullins extend long term this year and maybe Henderson the following year. Yes? No? Maybe? Cheers!
Slight difference in philosophies though.
Cleveland drafts a lot of pitchers. The orioles draft very few. The guardians almost never buy an arm. (They typically are missing a bat or two) the orioles would be hard pressed to not buy arms & get top level Starting pitching.
Henderson, yes. Sign him for 10 years. Mullins, no. He provides value now but there is no need to lock him up into his 30s as his speed declines. Not sure about locking up any Catcher beyond his controllable years.
Sounds more and more like Kyle Gibson will be the “ace” of the Orioles staff heading into 2023.
The Orioles have a great farm, just graduated Gunnar Henderson & Adley Rutschman with great success, have some nice pieces in Mullins & Santander, and are running a payroll lower than the Rays. It seems like they would aim a little higher in free agency, maybe actually try to compete for a playoff spot.
It seems like Elias is hamstrung by ownerships payroll constraints.
Or perhaps he’s not willing to block any talent he knows is coming with contracts where funds could be allocated elsewhere, like arb raises or perhaps even an attempt at an extension. Or maybe he likes options on next year’s FA class better and wants to see what development occurs this coming season and where regression happens to get a better idea of where a more broad view of the talent stands. Another possibility is to see where the team stands at the halfway point and possibly add to a run at the playoffs. Or, just maybe, since there is still time and players out there that fit identified needs, a signing or two has yet to materialize. A lot of different scenarios so let’s see how it shakes out. Flashy signings are likely not happening. If anything, a bigger addition may come from a trade. Will just have to see!
Way to bring it @ba$eba, way to bring it!
Pitching isn’t coming though. Aside from G-Rod.
Elias hasn’t spent much draft capital in that area. Adding a controllable starter via trade isn’t a bad idea if the FA market isn’t of interest.
That will have to be addressed with players outside the org currently.
Yes. Next year or 2, outside of Rodriguez and Hall, SP probably comes from trades and FA deals.
Sneakily, Elias has been very active in acquiring pitching thru the last 2 drafts. Plus 3 of the 4 UDFs in 22 were pitchers. As a group looks like a lot of raw potential. Maybe this is the beginning implementation of the trending in house “pitching academy” talent approach for the O’s?
Besides Grayson, who looks like a true TOR, the Orioles have legitimate starting pitcher prospects in DL Hall, Cade Povich, Seth Johnson and Carter Baumler. There are a few more who could remain starters at the MLB level including Noah Denoyer, Drew Rom and Chayse McDermott. It would be great if the Orioles could turn some of their top position player talent that appears ready – Stowers, Cowser Westburg, Norby – and deal them for MLB starters like Braxton Garrett or high minors talent
Free agency isn’t over yet.
Why no mention of Bassitt?
Arw you his dad?
It made sense to avoid high-priced free agents when the team was stuck in last place,. But now that they have the young talent to compete, they need to add elite players who can fill roles unlikely to be filled from within. The O’s lack front-line starting pitching and their farm system is not deep in pitching beyond Grayson Rodriguez. Their best chance to win a championship is to sign a number one starter like Rodon. They won’t go anywhere if they keep signing guys from the bargain basement.
If the Angelos family can’t or won’t spend money on the team, they need to sell the team, period.
Three Run Homer;
Other than another starting pitcher, what “holes” are those?
From what I’ve seen they have too many good young players for most positions which is why Hyde was changing the lineup constantly through August and September. Their bullpen is one of the best in MLB, Bautista is an upper level closer. Means will be coming back as a starter later this year and Grayson Rodriguez is one of the 2 top starting pitchers coming out of MiLB for 2023.
Those players are young and many are going to get much, much better with playing time. If the Yankees or Red Sox had 20% of the young players they have everyone following MLB would know all about them.
Please tell me about the “holes”
He said roles not holes. And he was only talking about starting pitching which he is correct about them needing.
I think front-line starting pitching is the biggest hole, as I mentioned, and the O’s don’t have as much depth in the minor league system in pitching as they do in position players, partly by design–Elias prefers to draft hitters. .I think a proven left handed power bat for the middle of the order would also be an important addition, and I’m not that high on Kyle Stowers or Keston Hjerstad.
btw, his name is Heston Kjerstad.
And everybody should be high on Kjerstad. High ceiling power bat. Might transition to 1B.
I only see one hole but he can’t see me since he has me muted.
Seems like the same Orioles as usual
Yup. Same old dumpster diving.
Can anyone else see them trading Santander, then plugging Mazara in right? Not right away, of course.
For some reason I can see Santander getting traded, the Mazara hitting something like 240/310/425 on the year for them (maybe 300abs)
I have an easier time seeing them trading Santader than “plugging Mazara in right.”
How disappointing on so many levels for O’s fans, baseball fans, everyone else. The team shows some grit, stays in the Wild Card until the final week, doesn’t come in last place in the AL East, finishes above .500 and what is the reward ??? A big fat Nuthin’. What a dunce of an organization, Mark Elias sir I would seek my exit and go work for a team that cares about baseball.
It’s the first week of December. Relax.
I’m sure that Mark will take all of that under advisement…
You forgot the quotation marks around “Mark.” 🙂
Sorry, my bad, “Mike Elias”
The Astros are the strongest organization in the sport and they largely ignore free agency. It’s because they’re smart not because they’re cheap. I don’t know why more fans don’t recognize this. The Mariners figured it out and are building the same way. The Cardinals should and could avoid free agency, but Mo has an ego that needs massaged. The idea that teams NEED to shop at the top of the market in order to compete is like Cold War politics: outdated. It’s team building according to George.
Don – BR shows the Astro’s had 4 position players and 7 pitchers of their 2022 roster acquired via free agency. That’s not largely ignoring free agency. Sincerely, AFNIE
Fair. I should have been more clear. The Astros largely ignore the top end of the free agent market. They don’t get into bidding wars to acquire specific players they feel they “need”. Thanks for the call out. I had it coming. Your handle is apt.
Dishonest claim. They signed Free Agents such as Verlander, Brantley and a few relievers but the bulk of the offense and the core of the starters is homegrown. We don’t talk of ameteur free agents in the same breath as this discussion about MLB players coming to market. Your argument is dishonest and pedantic.
And while you are being pedantic, the team is the “ASTROS.” There is no apostrophe in their name. Learn it.
You have the right screen name.
Off-season isn’t over so I dont want to give up hope, but I feel like I’ve seen this movie before. We have a good/great young catcher, solid OF, and young infielders coming up. We have some decent starters, a good/great bp, and all were missing is 1 or 2 front to middle of rotation arms. We then proceed to sign a couple of low cost starters, make the playoffs for a couple years, and then have to blow it up and start from scratch.
Not at all, the window is just about to open up, and I don’t think the Orioles have had this great of a farm since I could personally remember as a Jays fan. How do you know your ace and your number 2 won’t come up from within the organization?
Rodriguez and Means
Window is open right now.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Baltimore add Conforto on a one year deal. He solves both their corner OF need and LH batter need as well without committing future years/money past 2023. Conforto could have a great offensive year playing in Baltimore and set himself up for a nice multi-year deal in 2024.
Dorothy_Mantooth;
Conforto for a year might be nice.
Reality is that the O’s had a $45m payroll in 2022, although they’ve been budgeted more money for 2023 (we don’t know how much).
When last heard from Mr. Conforto turned down an QO from the Mets for $19m. What do you think he’d be asking for to sign with the Orioles?
Pillow contract: $12.5MM.
Conforto is a guy that has jumped out to me as well. Very good fit for both parties. Justin Turner is another decent fit, even if he isn’t a lefty hitter. The team needs to improve OBP and he would offer that.
Conforto most likely (99.2% probability) will not sign with the Orioles. He turned down a 18.4M QO from the Mets in 2021 and turned down 2 year/30M from the Astro’s in August. He’s out of the O’s price range.
‘Kay.
Conforto needs to rebuild his value with a one-year deal. And it won’t be for the 2022 QO money. Nor the 2/$30MM.
And the team is the “Astros.” Only the Jetsons’ dog can possess something with your spelling, such as “Astro’s bone.” If the Astros possess something, it is spelled “Astros’.”
Patience O’s fans. Trust the process.
The O’s rebuild is already behind schedule. The process is taking a long time and is subject to owner’s parameters.
It is exactly on Elias’ original schedule.
What was “your” schedule for the rebuild?
Howdy Ra! Can you provide a link to Elias’ posted original schedule? I think that would be very informative!
Why is “your” in quotes? I don’t have a personal rebuild schedule. But let’s look at some successful rebuilds as of late so we can learn together:
Atlanta Braves: lost 95 games in 2015, made the playoffs in 2018, and have been in the playoffs 2018-2022 consecutively.
Houston Astros: lost 106 games in 2011, made the playoffs in 2015, and have been in the playoffs 7 of the last 8 seasons (all but 2016).
Cleveland Indians: lost 97 games in 2009, made the playoffs in 2013, and have been in the playoffs 6 of the last 10 seasons.
The Orioles rebuild is behind schedule in comparison.
AFNIE
You were the one who first stated, “The O’s rebuild is already behind schedule.” So the onus is on you to provide the schedule first. Otherwise, you are talking out of your ass…again.
Show your work or step off.
Yet, the Orioles rebuild is ahead of the schedule for the Royals, Tigers, Rockies, Pirates, Reds, etc.
Elias put a winner and playoff candidate together on the field in his fourth year. Complaining he is behind schedule to 3 other teams – two of which took four years to have a winning record – is intellectually dishonest.
Mike Elias, ““We knew this was going to be tough and take a while,” Elias said. “Now 2 1/2 years in … we’re very much on track with what we’re trying to do.”” – August 21, 2022
Belt makes sense for the O’s.
Is he even going to be able to play come April?
The O’s need a front-line starter or two, and they aren’t getting that without offering a longterm deal – something they’re apparently hesitant to do now despite Elias’ “time for liftoff” comment – even though a longterm deal wouldn’t block any upcoming starter since only GRod is knockng on the door.
And supposedly you can’t have enough pitching, so if giving two longterm deals to front-line starters creates a logjam in the rotation, oh what a great problem to have. And with the O’s having plenty of Baby Birds to cover the OF, more infielders than they have positions, and a stud at C, they can afford to give a 4- or 5-year deal to Bassitt, and maybe a 6-year deal to Rodon, and have those contracts be done before needing to give substantial raises to the Baby Birds.
For the first time since Elias got here, I feel like he’s done a 180 and is talking out of both sides of his mouth.
Ever watch a rocket liftoff? Pretty slow at first…
I just hope the rocket doesn’t blow up all over the launchpad this winter.
What would that look like? They trade all their prospects? That will not happen.
People need to understand that Mike Elias is a product of Houston’s current system of producing their own players and then supplementing the team with targeted short term free agent deals and trades, and most likely aspires to implement that same strategy in Baltimore. It’s worked out pretty well for them and it’s looking pretty good in Baltimore too.
Baltimore is going to wait out this FA SP spending frenzy and pickup a couple veteran arms that need a home once the dust settles.
What a strategy
Duquette did this already like the Beatles did the Rooftop Concert
In other words, it has been done before
The only difference is that Elias’ regime has shown signs that it can develop and improve those players. Duquette bought guys and they gave what you expected or worse.
That may be what they wind up doing, but it’s not going to push them towards a championship. They have good options for the back end of the rotation as it is. What they need is front-line pitching.
Mazara was a nice addition, he showed signs of breaking out of mediocrity with the Padres, but needs everyday ABs
How about they get eovaldi and swing a small trade for some BP help like staumont?
Lot of armchair/idiot GMs in these feeds lol
Although this is early this is a very disappointing stance.
So far, these little moves have not done anything to improve the areas of team that need improvement or demonstrate an outlook that they expect an improvement over 2022, a team that didn’t have the horses for the stretch run.
SP – Gibson is a swap out for Lyles. Here we are again hoping that Grayson Rodriguez has a 1992 Mike Mussina season in his rookie year, John Means somehow is the bionic man and is immediately better coming back from TJ as he was before, the guys like Kremer and Voth and Wells ALL defy peripherals and all produce similarly or better next year.
Bullpen – not worried about the bullpen and this is the easiest part of a team to retool for injury or someone being terrible.
Offense – a below average offense overall from last year will see improvement from growth from Henderson and Rutschman, and addition by subtraction (Odor). Santander is ripe for regression. Lots of guys who strike out a ton and don’t get on base extremely well which are 2 huge drawbacks..
Yes this team has improved and I don’t think we go back to 90, 100 loss teams. Most other teams are much more aggressive about filling holes and addressing areas of need. Still 2 above average arms and a high OBP guy away from taking the team too seriously (plus additional power wouldn’t hurt). Still too reliant on a patchwork team, every prospect blooming and getting it done with relief pitching and hoping to overachieve on the cheap. But this is a tenuous grasp without much of a margin… e.g. overcoming a significant injury to Rutschman, the staff underperforming vs peripherals instead of overperforming, etc. Lots of downside risk vs NYY or TOR.
Lots of winter left but no steps forward…this is still a .500 team with the qualifier of most everything needing to go right.
Smoke and Mirrors! That’s how Mike rolls.
What does this even mean?