Which free-agent starters might interest Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: The Orioles seem to have been enamored with Blake Snell but with him being a client of Scott Boras, should they look elsewhere? We saw what happened last year with Boras. He likes to wait until spring training and break the bank. Anyway, who do you think the Orioles will be seriously in on? From: Michael 

Answer: Michael, I don’t think the Orioles would be shy about pursuing a client of Scott Boras, especially not with so many of his clients already on the team. They know the way he works, and sometimes he’s had clients sign early in the free-agent process.

I think Snell and Max Fried would be two pitchers to watch. Glancing at the free-agent list, I also think Matthew Boyd; Walker Buehler; Nathan Eovaldi, if he doesn’t exercise his player option; Yusei Kukuchi; Nick Pivetta; and Luis Severino could be intriguing. Michael Wacha also has a player option.

There are a number of interesting free-agent starters, and I can’t wait to see who the Orioles come up with.

Question:  Given that catchers typically have pretty good hands, could Adley Rutschman potentially occupy the first base position? Your thoughts are appreciated. From: Jeffrey Mose

Answer: Jeff, Rutschman has experience playing first base, both at Oregon State and at Bowie and Norfolk in 2021 and 2022. He hasn’t played there in the major leagues, but it wouldn’t be a shock if he ended up playing there occasionally when the Orioles bring up 20-year-old Samuel Basallo, who also has played first base in the minors.

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.