As spring training looms just over the horizon, the Baltimore Orioles are in full stride, meticulously curating their roster for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. With camps set to open in just over five weeks, all eyes are on the team's latest moves and strategic plans. The Orioles, after a notable fluctuation in their payroll dynamics over recent years, have made significant strides to strengthen their lineup.
Orioles Set the Stage for 2025
In a determined move to bolster their pitching rotation, the Baltimore Orioles have successfully acquired Charlie Morton, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. With aspirations of securing a frontline starter, an experienced reliever, and a versatile bench player, the Orioles are actively exploring both the free-agent and trade markets.
The Orioles’ financial strategy reflects a commitment to balance ambition with restraint. Their estimated payroll for 2025 stands at $136 million, a moderate figure considering the fluctuating numbers in previous years. Notably, the team’s Opening Day payroll was $148 million back in 2016, but dropped significantly to $93 million last year. This indicates a methodical approach to financial management under their new ownership.
A New Chapter Under New Ownership
The fresh leadership of billionaire David Rubenstein promises to bring renewed vigor and direction. His ownership of the team introduces a new chapter for the Orioles, with potential implications for their operational and strategic dynamics. Rubenstein’s approach will likely influence the team’s market activities and player acquisitions as they head into the 2025 season.
Roki Sasaki: A Contested Prospect
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has been making headlines as a top contender in the offseason free-agent market, ranked as the seventh-best available. Sasaki's market presence is notable, yet the Red Sox have surprisingly not pursued an in-person meeting with the sought-after pitcher.
Sasaki has met with several prominent teams, including the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. Despite being a coveted asset, international bonus pool rules stipulate that Sasaki can only sign a minor-league contract, with a signing bonus capped at $10 million. This limitation adds a layer of complexity to his signing prospects ahead of the international signing period, which opens on January 15 and spans until January 23.
Cardinals Eye a Bullpen Revamp
Turning our attention to the St. Louis Cardinals, the team is undergoing what John Mozeliak, their President of Baseball Operations, describes as a "reset." With the aim to enhance their bullpen, the Cardinals are actively searching for a robust late-inning reliever to solidify their pitching lineup. Mozeliak’s vision suggests a transformative phase, aiming to empower the Cardinals’ roster through strategic acquisitions.
In the bullpen market, experienced relievers Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates remain available and are potential targets for the Cardinals. Additionally, both Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked Nos. 24 and 27 on the top 50 free agents list, continue to seek new team affiliations. These players could present viable options for the Cardinals as they aim to strengthen their late-inning capabilities and overall pitching depth.
The moves by both the Orioles and the Cardinals underscore a dynamic offseason in Major League Baseball, characterized by strategic planning, targeted acquisitions, and the nuanced financial strategies that teams must navigate to balance competitiveness and sustainability. As these teams prepare for the 2025 season, the unfolding narrative promises captivating developments both on and off the field.