Spring training begins three weeks from now, and while the Orioles’ offseason has been a busy one, there are still questions to be answered before pitchers and catchers report.
Are they going to get that No. 1 starter?
If you’re talking about Framber Valdez, I’m not sure. While the rest of the free-agent market is largely accounted for, Valdez might not only be the best available free-agent starter, he might be the best of any free agent still available.
Many recognizable names are still out there: Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, José Quintana, Nestor Cortes, Tomoyuki Sugano and Miles Mikolas among them, but Valdez is by far the best.
Are there other free agents they could sign?
Yes, but I’m not sure any besides a starting pitcher would draw a major league contract from the Orioles.
The starting pitching market has names, but most of the accomplished relief pitchers have already signed. Danny Coulombe, whose option wasn’t picked up after the 2024 season, is probably the biggest name who hasn’t signed yet, and the Orioles don’t appear to be a contender for his services.
Seranthony Domínguez, who was traded away by the Orioles in July, is also unsigned, but the Orioles weren’t expected to bid on him.
Fans have asked about Ramón Urías since there’s a need for a utility player, and while that seems to make sense, there’s been no chatter about him this offseason.
Could they trade for a starting pitcher?
They could trade for a starter, but they already gave up four top 30 prospects for Shane Baz last month.
There’s been talk about Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, but I wonder if the Orioles have enough prospects to satisfy the Brewers. Two years ago, the Orioles traded infielder Joey Ortiz, left-hander DL Hall and a draft choice for Corbin Burnes, who only had one year of club control left. ‘
Burnes was a great success, though I’m not sure the Orioles want to trade for a pitcher who has just a year left before free agency.
Will the Orioles go to arbitration with Kyle Bradish and Keegan Akin?
The Orioles could reach a settlement before an arbitration hearing, but those settlements have been accompanied by an option year attached to the contract.
It seems more likely they’d settle with Akin. He has a year before free agency, and they could easily attach an option. Bradish is only in his first year of arbitration eligibility, so signing him for multiple years might be more difficult.
Is there any word on minor league managers?
I haven’t heard anything. Last year’s managers were Tim Federowicz (Norfolk), Roberto Mercado (Chesapeake), Ryan Goll (Aberdeen) and Collin Woody (Delmarva). Christian Frias was their Florida Complex League manager for the fourth season.
The Orioles’ High-A team has moved from Aberdeen to Frederick, and fans there will see affiliated ball for the first time since 2019.
How many non-roster spring training invitees will there be?
There could be as many as 25 or 30. The official list isn’t out, though relief pitcher Hans Crouse, who was signed on Tuesday, should be in camp. Albert Suárez will be in Sarasota and so should left-hander Josh Walker, who was removed from the 40-man roster twice this offseason.
Outfielders Will Robertson and Jhonkensy Noel also made cameo appearances on the 40-man roster.
Luis Vázquez, who played 32 games as a utility infielder, might have a chance to make the Opening Day roster. First baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda played seven games for the Orioles last season. He’ll be there, too.
So will catchers Sam Huff and Maverick Handley, who played in 16 games.
Outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. will be the most prominent prospect among the invitees, and the organization’s top minor league pitcher, Trey Gibson, also should be among those invited.
It’s possible that infielder Aron Estrada, who has progressed nicely through the system, will get an invite, too. Last week, Koby Perez, the Orioles’ vice president of international scouting and operations, said Estrada could be the next Latin American prospect to debut.
Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.