As the countdown to spring training narrows to just over five weeks, the Baltimore Orioles are actively assembling a roster they hope will be competitive in the upcoming season. Under the new ownership of billionaire David Rubenstein, the Orioles are earnestly working to bolster their ranks and improve upon prior seasons' performances.
Baltimore Orioles: Eyeing a Competitive Edge
The Orioles have made a significant addition to their roster by acquiring the talents of veteran pitcher Charlie Morton. Known for his impressive ability on the mound, Morton is expected to bring experience and skill to the Orioles' pitching lineup. However, the Orioles’ ambitions don't stop there. The team is on the lookout for a frontline starter, an experienced reliever, and a versatile bench player through both free agency and trade markets.
Financially, the Orioles are positioned with an estimated payroll of $136 million for 2025. While this is a substantial figure, it's a notable decrease from their Opening Day payroll of $148 million in 2016. Interestingly, last season's Opening Day payroll stood at a considerably lower $93 million, indicating a strategic realignment towards efficient spending while pursuing talent.
Roki Sasaki: A Sought-After Pitching Prospect
Across the league, a significant amount of buzz surrounds Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who is ranked as the seventh-best free agent available this offseason. Despite the Boston Red Sox not scheduling an in-person meeting, Sasaki has drawn interest from several major teams, including the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. However, due to international bonus pool restrictions, Sasaki can only sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus capped at $10 million. The international signing period for 2025, starting on January 15 and concluding on January 23, is expected to be a critical window for securing his signature.
St. Louis Cardinals: A Strategic "Reset"
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing what their President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, describes as a “reset.” Central to their reconfiguration is a strengthened bullpen, specifically with a robust late-inning reliever in mind. The Cardinals have a clear target, seeking to bolster their bullpen through available free agents, which includes seasoned veterans like Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates.
Additionally, free-agent pitchers Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked 24th and 27th respectively on the top 50 free-agent list, remain unsigned and could be potential acquisitions for teams looking to fill their pitching needs.
The shift in strategy marks a fascinating period for the Cardinals, one characterized by a conscious attempt to instill resilience and depth in their roster. These moves reflect a broader trend across the league, where many teams are recalibrating strategies and seeking versatile talent to maintain competitiveness.
A Season of Change and Opportunity
The narrative across Major League Baseball is one of change, ambition, and strategic recalibration. From the Baltimore Orioles gearing up under new ownership to the Cardinals' methodical "reset," teams are navigating a dynamic offseason landscape. The pursuits of high-profile talents like Roki Sasaki underscore the global nature of talent acquisition in the sport today.
As the 2025 season approaches, the developments in team rosters will be scrutinized not only for their immediate impact on the field but also for their long-term implications on team success. This offseason promises to be a transformative period for clubs and players alike, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in baseball history.