Heyman also linked Baltimore to this pete alonso a few weeks ago, but have now noted that the chances of the signing have decreased since the Orioles retained Ryan Mountcastle Non-tender deadline expired. That doesn’t mean Mountcastle still couldn’t be traded or cut altogether if the premium bat becomes a realistic option for Baltimore, though Elias did say earlier this week that the team thinks Mountcastle could bounce back in 2025 after a hamstring strain hampered his production.
Signing Alonso or Schwarber would deepen Baltimore’s already loaded mix of position players. Schwarber can occasionally play the corner outfield spot, but at this stage of his career he is largely a DH-only player, reducing the Orioles’ flexibility in trying to find at-bats for the rest of their current players. Of course, a trade or two could ease this impasse, and the Orioles could acquire pitching via the trade market rather than free agency.
Even if a Schwarber or Alonso raise some questions about lineup construction, the Orioles will happily accept it as a proverbial “good problem to have” if it means adding an elite power bat. Both Schwarber and Alonso are also known as clubhouse leaders, and adding an experienced mentor to a young O’s team could have benefits far beyond what either player could provide.
There is a widespread belief that the Phillies will pay top dollar to re-sign Schwarber, but naturally that hasn’t stopped other teams from paying attention to his market. The Orioles join the Red Sox and Pirates as teams known to have shown interest in Schwarber’s services, and clubs like the Reds and Yankees have been linked with more speculation. The market for Alonso has not been as strong in terms of public interest, though the Mets remain in the mix for another reunion with their longtime slugger.
The Orioles have already made a major bat addition this offseason taylor ward from angels grayson rodriguezIn a move that surprised some pundits as it further reduced the Orioles’ list of rotation options. This could indicate that if the O’s break the bank on a big-ticket signing, it will be for a starting pitcher to help stabilize the rotation. Cease’s imminent departure from the market (and to an AL East rival) only puts more pressure on the Orioles to find another frontline arm.
Valdez or Imai would certainly fit the bill, albeit in two different fashions. Valdez is a proven commodity at the MLB level, and is especially a known quantity for Elias as Valdez joined the Astros organization as an international signee and then joined the majors when Elias was still working in Houston’s front office. Imai is four and a half years younger than Valdez and will probably net more based on his results in Japan, but it remains to be seen if Imai can translate that success into the majors. The Oz don’t have a long track record of signing Japanese talent, although the club did add them. Tomoyuki Sugano last winter.
tyler o’neilThe three-year, $49.5MM contract is the only multi-year free agent deal the Orioles have signed during Elias’ seven years running the front office, although in fairness, most of Elias’ tenure was spent either rebuilding or working under some ownership turmoil. David Rubenstein’s purchase of the franchise in early 2024 did not immediately result in a large payroll increase, although the club did sign star prospect Samuel Basal Signed an eight-year, $67MM extension last summer. Basallo and O’Neill represent the only contracts on Baltimore’s books beyond 2026, and while the Orioles are certainly interested in locking down other young stars in extensions, there is future financial room for the O’s to make a spectacular signing (or two) this winter.
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