Elias’ big week as Orioles’ offseason moves on

In the second full week of the offseason, president of baseball operations Mike Elias went to the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, new manager Craig Albernaz continued to build his coaching staff and the front office looked ahead to a busy month.

Let’s look at some of the things Elias talked about this week:

Elias told reporters in Las Vegas that the Orioles could have a payroll that approaches their $158.57 million 2025 Opening Day figure.

“We’re still down from where our 2025 payroll was. We’ve got quite a bit to go just to get back to 2025 levels, and I think that’s definitely a possibility if we want to go there, and we’ll assess opportunities beyond that. I think we’re just going to look at things on a case-by-case basis. The ownership group has a lot of willingness to invest but also wants to win.

“This is a group that’s really enabling us to invest. We’re going to go out in the market, see what we’re able to do to improve the team. But we’ll definitely be behaving as buyers this season, whether it’s free agency or trade.”

In September, a story broke that Elias had been promoted from executive vice president of baseball operations before the 2025 season, but that wasn’t announced. On September 29^th, Elias commented on his promotion for the first time and said he could add a general manager to the Orioles, front office.

“It may be this offseason; it may not be,” he said.

After spending four weeks on a managerial search, a time when interviews could have been conducted for a new GM, Elias said this week that wasn’t likely to happen.

“That’s something that we’ll be able to utilize, whether it’s internally, externally, in the future with the title change I have now. But I don’t see something happening this offseason,” Elias said.

The Orioles are eager to bolster their starting rotation, but it doesn’t sound as if they’re planning on a major contribution by Grayson Rodriguez, who hasn’t pitched since July 31^st, 2024.

“It’s not something that we’re planning around very heavily, but he’s a guy that provides a real wild card for us talent-wise,” Elias said.

According to The Athletic, Elias is eager to find a closer.

“Ideally, we’re going to acquire somebody who has closer experience, that’s good against righties and lefties,” he said. “There are a few teams [trying to do] that. Maybe there’s not enough to go around. But it’s at the top of our list.

“We’re being very intentional in talking with those free agents and checking in on trade possibilities. I would really like to get that. Obviously, there are many ways to build a bullpen. It’s something teams and front offices can sort of do over the course of a season. But our preference is to land an experienced closer this winter.”

Elias said he’s willing to forfeit a draft pick in order to sign a player who turns down a qualifying offer. The Orioles haven’t done that under Elias.

The qualifying offer is $22.025 million, and players have until Tuesday to accept or reject it.

Thirteen players received a qualifying offer. Arizona starter Zac Gallen, Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, Detroit second baseman Gleyber Torres, Houston starter Framber Valdez, Milwaukee starter Brandon Woodruff, New York Mets reliever Edwin Diaz, New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, Phillies starter Ranger Suárez, San Diego pitchers Dylan Cease and Michael King and Toronto shortstop Bo Bichette.

Some on the list could get serious consideration from the Orioles.

In an interview with MASNSports.com, Elias said the Orioles have priorities for this offseason.

“I think it’s pretty clear with agents and other teams we’re talking to, trying to keep things simple that that’s at the front end of our wish list. Obviously, we’ve got to see what’s available and executing on that front. It could end up developing into a different wish list as we go along, but those are the things that are front and center that we’re exploring, and that’s where a lot of our energy and focus is right now is seeing what’s out there in those categories.”

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.