Which moves might Orioles make before Opening Day? | MAILBAG

Question: Which of these Orioles’ (my wish list) items do you think is most likely to occur in the coming weeks leading up to Opening Day 2025:

1. Sign starter Roki Sasaki?
2. Trade for starting pitcher Dylan Cease and/or designated hitter  Luis Arráez?
3. Sign reliever Tanner Scott?
4. Sign first baseman Pete Alonso?
5. Extend catcher Adley Rutschman?
6. Extend shortstop Gunnar Henderson?
7. Extend infielder Jordan Westburg?
8. Extend starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez?
9. None of the above?

From: Douglas Meyer Sr.

Answer: This is a fascinating question from Doug, who is an avid Orioles fan and longtime reader.

The easy answer would be none of the above, but let’s break down each of them from least to most likely.

I would be astounded if they signed Pete Alonso to a free-agent contract. He’s a power hitting first baseman, and they need a starter much more than they need another power hitter.

I would be equally surprised if they extended Grayson Rodriguez or Gunnar Henderson before Opening Day. You have four players in consideration for extensions, and Rodriguez hasn’t yet pitched enough in the major leagues to warrant a costly extension. While the Orioles would love to extend Henderson, I can’t see that happening—certainly not in the next three months.

Had Adley Rutschman had a strong second half in 2024, I could see an extension being discussed, but if he has a strong 2025, then maybe that could be a possibility a year from now.

Like Henderson, Jordan Westburg has Scott Boras as an agent, and I think an extension with him might be wise, and he might be open to one, but like Rodriguez, he hasn’t played an injury-free full season in the majors. Boras will explore extensions if his clients want one but generally recommends against them.

The Orioles are one of 30 teams that would like 23-year-old Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, but I would be surprised if he signs with the Orioles in January. While they’re a solid team, and he would fit in nicely, I think he’ll go to the Dodgers or Padres.

Tanner Scott would be a strong addition to the bullpen, and I haven’t heard any chatter about him anywhere. He’s the most attractive relief arm on the free-agent market. If his price wasn’t terribly high, perhaps the Orioles would be interested.

MLBTradeRumors.com predicted Scott would be the most sought-after reliever among free agents and thought he’d get a four-year, $56 million contract. I just can’t see the Orioles giving out a four-year contract to a reliever, but if it was two years and $28 million, I could see that.

As for trading for Cease, I think it’s possible, but the Orioles will have lots of competition for him. Luis Arráez has won three consecutive batting titles, and while he could help the Orioles’ lineup, I doubt they’d trade for him.

Maybe “none of the above” is the most likely outcome, but adding Scott and Cease to the Orioles are possibilities.

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.