A slow offseason weekend continues as we all try to figure out Mike Elias’ next move.
Good Morning, Birdland!
I’m thrilled to announce that there are still enough Thanksgiving leftovers in my fridge to another full plate today, and maybe even tomorrow. Beyond that, it’s up in the air. And honestly, I will probably be sick of the food by then, so it will be time to move on regardless.
Oh, you wanted baseball news? Sorry to disappoint, but there’s not much of that happening anywhere in the league. Tommy Edman inked a five-year, $74 million extension with the Dodgers, further proof that money is almost entirely fake when that franchise is involved.
The one semi-interesting development that could impact the Orioles is that the Cardinals are expected to put Steven Matz on the trading block.
Matz is entering his age-34 season, missed most of last season with a back injury, and when he was healthy really struggled (5.08 ERA over 44.1 innings). The 2025 season is his last one under contract, and he is due $12.5 million. So, why would that matter to the Orioles?
The team could be in the market for a depth starter with the ability to swing between the bullpen and the rotation, something that Matz is capable of. Matz would be far from a sure thing though, and he comes with a hefty price tag ($12.5 million), so if that were to happen, the Cardinals would have to eat most of the remaining salary.
Ultimately, the Orioles would probably be better off signing a free agent or relying on an internal solution like Albert Suárez or Keegan Akin to fill the role than a pricey trade for Matz. But you never know what sort of faith the organization has in its pitching development program. Matz might just have the sorts of characteristics that they think can be turned around in a season.
Like I said, there is not much to talk about right now! Bare with me.
Links
Orioles full of offseason surprises | Roch Kubatko
Mike Elias often zigs when you expect him to zag. This offseason is a continuation of what he did at last year’s trade deadline. He makes moves, and they don’t always make sense at the time (and sometimes in retrospect too).
What will Mike Elias and the Orioles do this offseason? Even to insiders, it’s a mystery. | The Baltimore Banner
This is the first offseason where it feels like Elias has real pressure on him to produce. The team has disappointed in the playoffs two straight years, and now time starts to be your enemy. They need to get it sorted out going into 2025, or some tough questions are going to be asked. That could explain the confusion.
What’s next in MLB free agency? Bowden on Soto, Burnes, Adames, Santander and more | The Athletic
Consider the source, but he thinks that the Orioles could get Luis Castillo from the Mariners for Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle. Considering the cost of free agents in this market, maybe the Orioles would do that. Castillo is going to cost about $100 million over the next four years. It depends on what their internal valuation of Mayo is.
Blake Snell signing could put Orioles in stronger spot to land Japanese star | Birds Watcher
Only if it means the Dodgers are out of the running. But I don’t think we can assume that, especially with the injury concerns that so many of their starters come with. It would be cool if the Orioles add Sasaki though!
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- DJ Stewart turns 31 today. A first-round pick in 2015, Stewart ended up playing in parts of five seasons with the Orioles, but the results were underwhelming. Over 195 games he posted a 97 OPS+ and made a few memorable errors in the field.
- Mark Lewis is 55. He spent part of the 2000 season in Baltimore, serving as a utility infielder with limited production at the plate.
This day in history
1959 – The trade pitchers Billy Loes and Bill O’Dell to the Giants in exchange for pitcher Gordon Jones, outfielder Jackie Brandt, and catcher Roger McCardell.
2000 – Free agent pitcher Mike Mussina makes his decision, leaving the Orioles in favor of the division rival New York Yankees. The deal is for six years and is worth $88.5 million.