Baltimore Orioles Prepare for the Upcoming Season
As winter slowly gives way to the anticipation of spring training, the Baltimore Orioles are meticulously piecing together a roster filled with promise and potential. This offseason has seen the Orioles making strategic moves to bolster their lineup, notably securing the services of the experienced Charlie Morton. It's a move that many fans and analysts see as a step in the right direction for a team eager to build upon past performances and deliver a successful 2025 season.
However, the Orioles’ aspirations don’t stop there. They're actively scouring the free-agent and trade markets for a frontline starter, a seasoned reliever, and a versatile bench player. With an estimated payroll for 2025 set at $136 million, it's clear they're willing to invest in talent where it's needed. To put it in perspective, their Opening Day payroll back in 2016 was $148 million, but it dramatically dropped to $93 million last year. The club’s new billionaire owner, David Rubenstein, seems to be infusing fresh enthusiasm—and financial muscle—into the Orioles' ambitions.
The Quest for Roki Sasaki
Adding to the intrigue this offseason is the presence of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, ranked as the seventh-best free agent available. Sasaki's journey has captured considerable attention, as he has been in talks with several major MLB teams, including the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. Interestingly, despite the widespread interest, the Red Sox opted out of an in-person meeting with him.
Those following his potential MLB move need to remember an important stipulation: Sasaki can only sign a minor-league contract, and his signing bonus is capped at $10 million due to international bonus pool regulations. The international signing period, an eagerly awaited window, kicks off on January 15 and wraps up by January 23, 2025. This gives teams a narrow frame to make their best pitch—literally and figuratively—to secure his services.
Cardinals' Restructuring and Bullpen Boost
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are navigating their own set of changes. John Mozeliak, the President of Baseball Operations, has described this phase as a "reset" for the Cardinals. Part of their agenda is fortifying their bullpen with a robust late-inning reliever. The market offers various seasoned talents, including Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates, still available for teams like the Cardinals to consider.
As part of the offseason buzz, Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked 24th and 27th among the top 50 free agents, remain unsigned. This adds an extra layer of complexity—and opportunity—for teams like the Cardinals, who are intent on transitioning and setting themselves up for success in the coming season.
As the offseason progresses and spring training approaches, MLB teams are making the calculated decisions needed to position themselves for a successful run. With each move, fans watch eagerly, speculating on how their favorite teams will fare in the months to come.