Will Orioles sign more players to extensions? | MAILBAG

Question: I like the new contract for Shane Baz. However, it makes me wonder why new(er) players (Samuel Basallo and Baz) are getting these contracts and not the core that we have had for a few years?

I understand those represented by Scott Boras will want to go to free agency.  However. are all of them repped by him?

I would like to see contract extensions for Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Gunnar (Boras guy), Jordan Westburg, Adley. Can you offer any insight on this? From: Scott German

Answer: Scott, Boras represents Henderson, Westburg and Jackson Holliday.

Basallo’s contract is for eight years, which includes six years before free agency plus two years of free agency (2032 and 2033) and a club option for 2034.

Baz’s contract is for three years of arbitration eligibility plus two years of free agency (2029 and 2030).

Since the Orioles are buying up two years of free agency in both cases, the contracts are relatively cheap.

If they were to extend Henderson, for example, it would be pricier since they’d likely be buying up more years of free agency.

It would be impractical for the Orioles to extend all those players you list. Their $167.5 million payroll is 16^th in MLB, and it’s higher than other markets of similar or smaller size.

I would expect the Orioles to look for similar deals to Basallo and Baz with an occasional large one, like Pete Alonso’s. Mike Elias is extremely hard to predict.

Question: In last year’s Orioles media guide, Adam Jones was listed as the “Special Advisor to the General Manager & Community Ambassador.” He’s not listed in this year’s media guide. Does this mean he’s not employed by the club at all? From: Timothy Morris, Butchers Hill

Answer: Timothy, you’re correct that Jones’ title isn’t in this year’s media guide, but he is listed in the team’s masthead on MLB.com. His current title is: Special Advisor to the President of Baseball Operations/General Manager and Community Ambassador.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.