Jul 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (6) drives in a run during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Question: Over the offseason and now, I haven’t heard a lot about the potential of Ryan Mountcastle having a very good year in 2025. “If” he stays healthy, and with the shorter left-field wall, I think he could be a very big asset for the Orioles. Your thoughts? From: Larry Schultz
Answer: Larry, there has been some talk about Mountcastle being the beneficiary of the shorter left-field wall. However, Mountcastle has been somewhat overshadowed by Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday, not to mention Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser.
He’s become an elite first baseman, and I think if the closer wall helps him, that could be a huge asset for the Orioles.
Question: What are your thoughts about the possibility of a salary cap sometime in the future? If so, approximately how long of a wait? Aren’t the smaller-market teams pushing for it? Probably just sour grapes watching what the Dodgers are able to do. From: Jack Saverino
Answer: Jack, I’m not in favor of a salary cap. I think perhaps tightening up the luxury tax is the answer. While the Dodgers’ seemingly endless ability to spend seems unfair, let’s see if they’re able to repeat this season.
The Players’ Association is against a salary cap and has always been. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires after the 2026 season, and while the owners may push for a salary cap, another labor dispute would greatly damage baseball.
Without a salary cap, there hasn’t been a repeat champion since 2000. In the NFL, which has a salary cap, the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs have managed to win six of the last 11 Super Bowls, and they’ve appeared in eight of the last 11.
In the last 11 World Series, there have been nine different champions. The Dodgers and Astros have each won two World Series.
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.
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