Good morning Birdland,
As many expected, the movement around baseball has slowed during this holiday period. The starting pitching market, where the Orioles’ focus remains, has been almost entirely static. Perhaps the decision coming from Tatsuya Imai next week will loosen things up.
Although many outlets seem to regard Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez as better options out there, the youth and ceiling of Imai may have pushed him into being the “top starter available.” At 28 years old, Imai could be young
enough for Mike Elias to finally consider handing out a long-term deal to a pitcher. Or he could simply be clogging things up before Elias can convince a veteran arm to take a shorter deal.
Outside of the rotation, there has been no noise around the Orioles. Will they be making further additions to the bullpen? Are they sticking with Jeremiah Jackson as their utility option? Those roles are important, but not usually top priorities. They might wait until spring training gets underway to see if other teams are looking to make cuts, or if free agents are more willing to take a discounted deal.
The Orioles have earned themselves some grace with their moves so far this offseason. They have been the most aggressive team in the the league, and they are positioning themselves for a major bounce back. At the same time, it doesn’t feel like they have been irresponsible. Sure, the last year or two of Pete Alonso’s deal might not be great, and it is possible that the prospects given up for Shane Baz turn into interesting big leaguers, but that is the cost of doing business and attempting to win now. If the organization has been built correctly, with a constantly-productive pipeline of talent, then it can absorb some of these blows while continuing to compete.
Links
Jon Meoli: The Orioles need Pete Alonso to slug into his 30s. His plan to do so is underway. | The Baltimore Banner
A interesting deep dive into what Alonso worked on last offseason that propelled him to a really nice 2025 season. The Orioles would love a repeat in 2026. The lineup lacked power with the exit of Anthony Santander. Alonso should give them that back, and perhaps even more.
Each team’s prospect to watch for 2026 | MLB.com
If the Orioles do not sign another center field option between now and Opening Day, they will be leaving the door open for Enrique Bradfield Jr. to emerge at some point. The former first-round pick has not yet turned into the top-of-the-order bat that many hoped. But his speed and glove, if he can show a competent enough bat, could make him exactly what the Orioles need patrolling center and manning the nine hole by season’s end.
Circling back to some Orioles questions | Roch Kubatko
Roch discusses the need for a utility player. The Orioles could be the rare team that ends up not carrying one, simply because they have starters that can rove around and fill gaps to give days off. Jordan Westburg can also play second and shortstop. Jackson Holliday can play shortstop. Coby Mayo can (technically) play third base. Leody Taveras and Dylan Beavers could handle center field in a pinch. It is not absolutely necessary to have designated bench players.
Latest On Edward Cabrera’s Market | MLB Trade Rumors
There are no real updates here. The Orioles have been in the mix this offseason, but the Baz trade may have closed that door. The two players fill similar roles, and it seems Elias preferred the deal he landed with the Rays. But who knows! If the asking price for Cabrera comes down, maybe the Orioles get back involved.
The Orioles’ two Will Robertsons | Baltimore Baseball
You know things are slow when there are pieces about not just one guy named Will Robertson, but two.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Michael Bourn turns 43 today. The journeyman outfielder played 24 games for the 2016 Orioles down the stretch run.
- The late Connie Johnson (b. 1922, d. 2014) was born on this day. From 1956 through ‘58 he had a 3.42 ERA over 544 innings for the Orioles.
This day in O’s history
According to Baseball Reference, not much has happened on this date for the Orioles. Maybe that will change today. For now, here are some happenings from beyond Birdland:
1831 – Charles Darwin embarks on his journey aboard HMS Beagle, during which he will begin to formulate his theory of evolution.
1932 – Radio City Music Hall opens in New York City.
1949 – The Netherlands officially recognizes Indonesian independence, ends the Dutch East Indies.
1966 – The Cave of Swallows, the largest known cave shaft in the world, is discovered in Mexico.
