The Orioles could have an All-Star-caliber performer at every position on the infield, catcher included, and have more outfielders than they’ll know what to do with. The bullpen is full of experience. We’re really just talking about a rotation that has plenty of capable participants and no true ace.
Saying this has the makings of a drama-free camp out loud probably ensures that won’t be the case, but I’m quite looking forward to the possibility of it.
With Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, Ramón Laureano and Dylan Carlson, you have a reasonably priced group of outfielders you can deploy in favorable matchups as Brandon Hyde, his staff and the front office deem fit.
According to MLB’s baserunning metrics from Statcast via baseballsavant.com, the Orioles went from being one of the best teams in terms of adding value on the bases in 2023 to league average in 2024.
If we’re talking about true regret, and past free agency playbooks that the Orioles should avoid, it’s one that’s potentially weeks away from playing out.
Even allowing for the year-over-year payroll increase the Orioles are expected to make from 2024 to 2025, the way the team is operating has an air of keeping one’s powder dry for something else.