Mike Elias says the O’s are “talking to everybody” in their pursuit of a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
After Juan Soto rocked the baseball world on Sunday night with his decision to sign with the Mets, all was relatively quiet yesterday in the first full day of MLB’s Winter Meetings. There were no major signings or trades beyond the Phillies taking a chance on former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano and the Tigers signing ex-Oriole Alex Cobb. The O’s didn’t make any moves, nor did most other teams. That may or may not change today.
For what it’s worth, Orioles GM Mike Elias told reporters that the team is still seeking a top-shelf starting pitcher and is exploring every avenue to do so. The O’s are “talking to everybody,” even free agents who received qualifying offers and would cost the Orioles a draft pick to sign. Elias also said he’s explored “Major League for Major League kind of trades,” implying that he’d be willing to deal from an area of strength — the Orioles’ position player depth — to acquire some pitching.
It’s good to know that Elias and the O’s front office are leaving no stone unturned. But it’s one thing to talk about getting pitching help; it’s another to actually do it. They backed up their words last offseason when they pulled off the stupendous Corbin Burnes trade, but will lightning strike twice for the Orioles to land another ace this winter? Whether they’re trying to bring back Burnes, sign Max Fried, acquire Garrett Crochet, or land another top-flight pitcher, the Orioles will face some stiff competition from plenty of other teams, especially the big-market clubs looking to make a splash after missing out on Soto.
As always, I’m glad Elias is the guy who has to figure this all out and not me. Let’s see what the Orioles have up their sleeve.
Links
Remaining items on Orioles’ shopping list and Mateo’s expanded role – School of Roch
I don’t love that assistant GM Eve Rosenbaum says “Corbin Burnes has left” as if it’s a fait accompli that he won’t be returning to the Baltimore. I mean, he probably won’t, but give a guy some hope.
Orioles free agency: Could the Orioles consider a reunion with this lefty? – The Baltimore Banner
Paul Mancano profiles eight free agent relievers that the O’s could pursue. I for one would rather pass on re-living the Tanner Scott experience, even if he’s technically a good pitcher now.
Juan Soto transforms the Mets, who still need pitching, while the Yankees take a hit: Law – The Athletic
This article is mostly about Soto, but Keith Law discusses the Orioles in the last two paragraphs, where he suggests that “the signings of a platoon outfielder and a backup catcher mean the team will be the least aggressive [in the AL East].” I’m no pollyanna, but I think that’s a rather pessimistic take on his part.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Five people with Dec. 10 birthdays have played for the Orioles, with the newest addition being Coby Mayo, who debuted this season. The Birds’ #1 prospect turns 23 today. Other former Orioles born on this day include lefty Nestor Cortes (30), catcher Austin Wynns (34), infielder Pedro Florimón (38), and outfielder Luis Polonia (61).
On this date in 1973, the Orioles signed 19-year-old right-hander Dennis Martínez as an amateur free agent from Nicaragua, kicking off what would become a historic baseball career. Martínez became the first Nicaraguan to play in the majors when he debuted in 1976 and went on to pitch 23 seasons in the majors, including 11 with the Orioles. His 245 career wins were the most in MLB history for a Latin-born pitcher, a record that stood for two decades until Bartolo Colon topped it in 2018.
On this day in 1996, the Orioles signed four-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young runner-up Jimmy Key to a two-year deal. The lefty was a stellar addition to the rotation for the wire-to-wire Orioles in 1997, going 16-10 and posting a 3.43 ERA in 212.1 innings, before injuries ended his career the following year.
And on this date in 2020, the Orioles selected Tyler Wells from the Twins in the Rule 5 draft. The 6-foot-8 right-hander has spent four seasons with the Birds and served in every role from starter to closer, but missed most of the 2024 campaign after elbow surgery. He’s expected to return at some point next year but probably not by Opening Day.