SAN ANTONIO — The Baltimore Orioles are at a pivotal crossroads this offseason, facing potential departures of two marquee players who were instrumental in their recent success: right-handed ace Corbin Burnes and powerful switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander. Both stars became free agents on Monday, setting the stage for one of Baltimore’s most consequential offseasons in years. While there’s still hope that Burnes and Santander could return, it’s also very possible each might sign elsewhere. In that case, the Orioles are preparing to act boldly and decisively in the market.
Speaking at the GM Meetings at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, Orioles General Manager Mike Elias made it clear that the team is unwilling to settle for anything less than top-tier talent if Burnes and Santander depart. Baltimore would seek players with comparable skill sets and impact, keeping the Orioles’ competitive edge alive. “We’re going to need high-level players to take their place,” Elias said. “If it’s not Burnes and Santander, we’ll pursue players of similar caliber. Those profiles will be missed if it’s not those guys, so we’re going to have to look at the market for alternatives.”
Baltimore’s resolve to remain competitive is evident in the $21.05 million qualifying offers they extended to both Burnes and Santander on Monday. Still, it’s widely anticipated that both will decline the offers in search of bigger deals. Burnes, an All-Star who delivered a 2.92 ERA over 32 starts and pitched in the All-Star Game for the American League, is arguably the most attractive starting pitcher on the market. Meanwhile, Santander’s switch-hitting power—44 home runs last season and 105 homers over the past three years—has made him one of the top outfielders available. Both players could be looking at contracts exceeding nine figures, which could be beyond the Orioles’ budget without their recently enhanced financial support.
In addressing the Orioles’ rotation needs, Elias was clear: Baltimore won’t be looking for just depth but rather a proven ace to anchor the staff. “We’re going to make every strong effort to bring in somebody who’s proven and healthy,” Elias said, referencing last year’s successful trade for Burnes from Milwaukee. Baltimore’s rotation is solid, but they still lack a true frontline ace to lead them through a grueling AL East season, especially if Burnes doesn’t return.
However, there’s more optimism in Baltimore’s ability to pursue elite talent this year due to new ownership. The Orioles were purchased in March by a group led by private equity billionaire David Rubenstein, whose fresh approach has instilled renewed confidence in the front office’s flexibility. “Our owners are fresh, they’re new, they’re very robust. It’s a strong group, and they’re very eager to win,” Elias said. “Whether it’s free-agent spending, supporting my staff, or enhancing our baseball operations, I think we have everything we need financially to make the optimal decisions for the long-term health of the franchise.”
While finding an ace remains a top priority, the Orioles also have other pressing needs, particularly in the outfield and behind the plate. The potential loss of Santander creates a right-handed power gap, especially in a lineup that skews left-handed with projected starters like Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, and Heston Kjerstad. Ryan O’Hearn, the team’s first baseman and occasional corner outfielder, also hits left-handed, which underscores Baltimore’s need for righty power in the outfield. Austin Slater, another right-handed outfield option, also became a free agent, further amplifying the need.
Additionally, Elias mentioned the need for catching depth, with James McCann—Adley Rutschman’s backup for the past two seasons—now a free agent. Currently, the Orioles have Blake Hunt and René Pinto on the 40-man roster, but they may be looking for a more seasoned option to support Rutschman.
The Orioles’ bullpen, which was a strong asset throughout last season, could also see reinforcements. Though Elias expressed confidence in the current group of relievers set to return, he didn’t rule out bolstering the bullpen further if the right opportunity arises.
While Baltimore may not make immediate moves, Elias emphasized that he’s already in “information-gathering mode” as he begins talks with agents and other team executives this week. The Orioles are doing their homework, exploring every option, and weighing each potential addition to build on last season’s success. “We’re going to kind of hear and see what’s out there and, like any team, look for opportunities,” Elias said. “I think we’re going to look at the whole menu of players and see what’s out there in the market.”
If the offseason unfolds as Elias hopes, Baltimore could be looking at substantial upgrades that would keep them competitive in the AL East and set the foundation for a third consecutive postseason appearance. The Orioles appear poised to not only fill any potential gaps but to make strategic additions that could elevate the team to the next level. With new ownership backing, Elias’ ambitious plan to aggressively pursue big-name players signals Baltimore’s commitment to fielding a championship-caliber team in 2025 and beyond.
Leave a Reply