Boras says Rubenstein-owned Orioles are more aggressive free-agent players

DALLAS—Scott Boras, who represents a number of key Orioles, said the team has become more aggressive in pursuing free agents under owner David Rubenstein.

On Tuesday, the Orioles announced the signing of Boras client outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with an opt-out after next season.

“We kind of jumped the market in that regard,” Boras said at his annual media briefing at the Winter Meetings. “We’ve been in very close contact with Mike Elias and talking to him regularly. He’s made it very clear under this ownership they’re going to take steps forward that they haven’t taken in the past.”

Boras has the top starting pitcher in free agency, Corbin Burnes, who had an excellent 2024 for the Orioles.

“For pitching, Corbin Burnes is kind of like Elvis. He’s got that Burnesing love for a No. 1 starter,” Boras said. “You are really feeling if today, and very early for me this morning, I might add.”

There are a number of teams pursuing Burnes, and Boras said Burnes remains open to staying in Baltimore.

“Corbin is open to really listening to every team,” he said.

Boras also represents three of the Orioles young stars — Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg. With Juan Soto agreeing to a reported 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Boras was coy about answering whether he has recommended to Henderson that he avoid signing an extension with the Orioles and wait for free agency.

“I think that adage is something yours truly has been talking about for a long time,” Boras said. “Select players. There are a lot of players that have benefited from signing early, too. They’re in the right place at the right time. It really depends on the individual. It really does.

“That would be something that Gunnar has to define over time, where he’s playing. Certainly skill-wise, he is one of the elite young players in the game, that’s for sure.”