Should Orioles sign Alonso or Bregman? | MAILBAG

Question: I’m wondering if you think the Orioles have a big move or two left this offseason. With Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman still hanging out in free agency, would either make sense?  Alex Bregman’s connection to Mike Elias intrigues me. From: Doug Rau, Severn, Maryland

Answer: Doug, another fan, Clark Saunders, is also intrigued by Pete Alonso. I think if the Orioles have another big move or two left in them this offseason, it would be the acquisition of more pitching. There are still some free-agent starters and relievers who could add to the team’s depth, and they could still trade for another starter.

The lineup looks solid, and while Bregman could be a future Hall of Famer, I think that Jordan Westburg is good enough so that his numbers the next few seasons could be equivalent to Bregman’s.

While Alonso is a great slugger, the Orioles have Ryan Mountcastle and Ryan O’Hearn, with Coby Mayo waiting to play first.

They could always find room for players of the caliber of Alonso and Bregman, but that money could be used for extensions of younger players.

Question:  I don’t recall seeing any reports on Albert Suarez’s contract or salary for 2025.  Can you help? From: Dan Rubinstein

Answer: Dan, despite Albert Suárez being 35, he doesn’t have enough major league service time yet to qualify for arbitration. Along with other players with fewer than three years of service time, he’ll be given a contract during the early part of spring training. The minimum salary this season is $760,000, and that’s his likely salary.

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.