Orioles Gear Up for 2025 Season
As spring training swiftly approaches, the Baltimore Orioles are actively molding their roster with a keen eye on the upcoming MLB season. With training camps set to open in just over five weeks, the team is making strategic moves to bolster their competitiveness. The acquisition of Charlie Morton marks a promising addition to their pitching lineup.
The Orioles are not just resting on their laurels with Morton's signing. They are ambitiously scouring both the free-agent and trade markets. Their top priorities include securing a frontline starter, an experienced reliever, and a versatile bench player—key elements that could be pivotal in shaping a successful season. With an estimated payroll for the 2025 season standing at $136 million, the team seems poised to make these critical roster enhancements.
A New Era Under David Rubenstein
This comprehensive revamp comes under the tenure of new billionaire owner David Rubenstein, whose acquisition of the Orioles signals a potentially transformative period for the franchise. With Rubenstein at the helm, the Orioles hope to pivot from last year's Opening Day payroll of $93 million, which was notably lower than their $148 million payroll in 2016, towards a more financially competitive stature.
The Hunt for International Talent
On the international front, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has emerged as a top free agent this offseason. Ranked seventh among his peers, Sasaki's availability has generated interest from several major league teams. Despite lacking an in-person meeting, the Red Sox appeared on the list of interested parties. More proactive were the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees, each vying for Sasaki's signature. However, his signing possibilities are limited to a minor-league contract with a signing bonus capped at $10 million due to international bonus pool regulations.
The international signing period for 2025 begins on January 15 and extends until January 23, providing a short but critical window for teams to finalize their pursuits of talents like Sasaki.
Cardinals in Transition: A "Reset"
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Cardinals are undergoing what has been characterized by their President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak as a "reset." It's a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing their team dynamics, particularly within their bullpen. As part of this transition, the Cardinals are actively in search of robust late-inning relievers.
Veteran relievers such as Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates remain available, providing viable options for fulfilling such bullpen needs. In addition, free agents Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked Nos. 24 and 27 respectively on the top 50 list, are still unsigned and could potentially become valuable assets for the Cardinals.
With careful planning and decisive acquisitions, the Cardinals aim to fortify their bullpen, signaling a commitment to evolve through this strategic "reset." As these moves unfold, both the Orioles and Cardinals illustrate the dynamic changes and aspirations driving teams in the MLB in the lead-up to the 2025 season. With astute management and a competitive spirit, these teams are striving to position themselves as formidable contenders in the league.