Question: Since Danny Coulombe is a free agent, why wouldn’t the O’s be interested in him to add depth to the relief corps? Most fans were surprised when we didn’t pursue him last year. He apparently did very well with Minnesota, and he’s a lefty. From: Larry Bickford, Stewartstown PA
Answer: Larry, Don Fazio is also curious about Coulombe. As I’ve written several times, I was surprised and disappointed when the Orioles didn’t pick his $4 million option for 2025
Last year, Coulombe had a 1.16 ERA in 40 games for Minnesota and didn’t allow a home run. After he was traded, Coulombe had a 5.25 ERA in 15 games with Texas but six of the seven runs he allowed were in just two games.
I think he would be an excellent addition to the Orioles’ bullpen, but I’d be surprised if he was back with the team this year.
Question: Could you please explain how a mutual option works? For example, if Tyler O’Neill’s option was mutual, and he wanted to exercise it, but the O’s wanted to pass on it, what would happen? From: Will Statter
Answer: Will, I assume you’re referring to Zach Eflin’s mutual option for $25 million in 2027. For that option to be exercised, both Eflin and the Orioles would have to agree on it. Mutual options are rarely exercised.
O’Neill had a three-year contract with an opt-out after last season, which he did not exercise. It was not a mutual option, which allows either party to decline it. The Orioles are responsible for the final two years of O’Neill’s contract.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.