As the year draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to examine how the Baltimore Orioles have approached the offseason.
One standout moment was their aggressive pursuit of right-hander Corbin Burnes, acquired last year.
Although he ultimately signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency, this bold move showcased the team’s ambition and desire to compete.
Finding a Top-Tier Pitcher
With spring training just around the corner, the Orioles are under pressure to find a top-tier pitcher to fill Burnes’ shoes.
General Manager Mike Elias remains optimistic, noting that there are still plenty of opportunities for additions through trades and free agency as the offseason progresses.
New ownership has infused fresh energy into the club, leading to a significant increase in spending.
However, the team is opting for well-considered decisions rather than high-risk investments like the previous year’s trade.
This season, they’ve added several players, including outfielders Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Carlson, pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, and backup catcher Gary Sánchez.
Most of these signings are for just a year, reflecting a cautious yet forward-thinking strategy.
Financial Strategy and Flexibility
These calculated acquisitions, coupled with salary hikes for players entering arbitration, have propelled the Orioles’ payroll to the middle of the league—an impressive shift from their earlier position.
Crucially, they’ve avoided committing long-term financial resources, keeping an eye on the promising core of young stars like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez, and Jordan Westburg, whose potential will shape the team’s future.
Elias foresees the flexibility gained from this year-to-year approach as beneficial, while also acknowledging that the strategy may evolve in the coming years.
However, this method does pose some challenges.
For instance, the combined salaries for Morton and Sugano will reach $28 million this season.
In contrast, the New York Yankees made headlines with a commitment to All-Star Max Fried worth $218 million spread over eight years.
While longer contracts come with their own risks, the rationale behind such decisions is often critical to a team’s long-term success.
The Bigger Picture
As the Orioles transition to higher spending, owner David Rubenstein has a broader vision in mind.
He recently expressed interest in implementing a salary cap, emphasizing a thoughtful and measured strategy rather than rushing into extravagant expenditures—an approach that may differ from the expectations fans had when he took over the franchise.
Building payroll has been a steady process for the Orioles.
Elias notes that their recent investments are enhancing the foundation laid during the team’s rebuild and positioning them for future success.
As the team seeks its third straight playoff appearance, Elias remains unfazed by the ambitious spending of rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have enhanced their roster with impressive talent.
He admires the Dodgers’ achievements but remains focused on his own team’s journey, hopeful that they will reach similar heights in due time.
With a strong lineup of young talent and a dedication to smart growth, the Orioles are set on an exciting trajectory for the upcoming season, inspiring confidence and enthusiasm among their loyal fanbase.
