The Baltimore Orioles' Roster Shaping Up for 2025: Key Moves and Market Outlook
As spring training camps loom just over five weeks away, the Baltimore Orioles are actively assembling their roster, aiming for a competitive edge in the upcoming season. The team, under the new ownership of billionaire David Rubenstein, is making strategic moves in both the free-agent and trade markets.
Key Acquisitions and Targets
The Orioles have made a significant move by securing the talents of veteran starter Charlie Morton. This addition bolsters their pitching lineup as the team searches for a frontline starter to lead the charge. The front office's strategy includes seeking an experienced reliever and a versatile bench player to round out the team's depth. These targeted additions highlight the Orioles' commitment to addressing their roster's crucial areas while gearing up for a strong season.
Following a period of reduced spending, with an Opening Day payroll of $93 million last year—drastically down from $148 million in 2016—the Orioles' projected payroll for 2025 stands at a more competitive $136 million. The increase reflects a shift in strategy under Rubenstein's ownership, providing room for additional talent acquisition.
Roki Sasaki and the Free-Agent Market
In the bustling free-agent market, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki stands out as a coveted asset. Ranked as the seventh-best free agent available this offseason, Sasaki draws attention from major league teams eager to bolster their rosters. The Orioles' interest aligns with several premier clubs, as Sasaki has met with the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. However, the Boston Red Sox notably did not have an in-person meeting with him.
International signing regulations pose a challenge for teams; Sasaki can only sign a minor-league contract with a maximum signing bonus of $10 million due to international bonus pool rules. The international signing period set to open on January 15, provides a tight window until January 23 for teams to finalize contracts, intensifying the competition for his signature.
Cardinals’ Strategic Reset
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing what their President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, terms a "reset." As part of this strategic shift, the Cardinals focus on strengthening their bullpen with a robust late-inning reliever. Among the veteran talents available, Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates present viable options to fortify their pitching staff.
The Cardinals are also looking at free agents like Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, who rank Nos. 24 and 27 respectively on the top 50 free agents list and remain unsigned. These moves are essential in their broader transition, as the team seeks to revamp its approach and remain competitive in the league.
Looking Ahead
The unfolding strategies of these clubs reflect the broader currents in Major League Baseball as teams strive to balance budgets, build competitive rosters, and leverage the international market's complexities. With the offseason in full swing, fan bases watch anxiously as these moves unfold, eager to see how their teams' prospects are shaping for the season. As spring training approaches, the narrative of preparation and promise takes center stage, setting the tone for what promises to be a dynamic season in the MLB.