Question: Has no one considered that if the Orioles were to sign Juan Soto, they could more easily part with Heston Kjerstad, Coby Mayo or even Colton Cowser in order to get a front-end controllable starter? It might take Jordan Westburg to pry away a Mariner starter but…? From: Kim Papier
Answer: Kim, in order for the Orioles to sign Soto, and there’s no evidence that they’ve made an attempt, they would have to pay him perhaps $45 million a year.
I think it’s more important that the Orioles spend their money on getting a starting pitcher or two and perhaps spend less than Soto would cost on a right-handed hitting outfielder as well.
I also think Cowser is going to be an outstanding player, and while Soto hits lots of home runs, he isn’t a great defender, and Cowser is. I definitely wouldn’t want the Orioles to trade Westburg.
Question: Do you envision both Samuel Basallo and Creed Wlllems getting spring training invites? From: Bill Connor
Answer: Bill, Samuel Basallo will certainly be getting a spring training invitation. He was in major league camp last year, and I think Willems has a good shot because the Orioles could have as many as seven catchers in early camp.
Assuming the Orioles add another catcher to back up Adley Rutschman and René Pinto and Blake Hunt remain with the team, that will still allow three more catchers in camp.
Basallo and David Bañuelos will be invited, and the other spot could go to Silas Ardoin or Maverick Handley, who were both in camp last year—or Willems.
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.