What’s the latest on Orioles’ Tyler O’Neill? | MAILBAG

Question: What’s your take on Tyler O’Neill? I’m confused on his contract: Is it his option to extend the final two years, or is it the Orioles’ option? If he extends, what does that do to the team’s payroll? Will they have to pass on better free agents because they have millions invested in him? From: Todd Baham

Answer: Todd, we also have a related question on O’Neill from David Keller in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, who wants to know about his recall from the rehab assignment.

O’Neill may opt out of his contract after this season. If he does not, the Orioles are responsible for the final two years of his contract at $16.5 million a year.

The Orioles have great payroll flexibility. Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano are all free agents. So are Cedric Mullins, Ryan O’Hearn, Gary Sánchez and Seranthony Domínguez and if the Orioles don’t pick up his option, Andrew Kittredge will be, too. If all those players don’t return, that could free up close to $80 million in payroll.

I expect the Orioles will be quite aggressive in the free-agent market this offseason, and O’Neill’s contractual obligations for 2026 and 2027 won’t prevent them from pursuing free agents.

Rehab assignments for position players can last up to 20 days. It’s up to 30 days for pitchers. By recalling O’Neill from that assignment, the Orioles can reset the clock for when he needs another one.

Question: Do you have an update or answer on why the Orioles haven’t used Trevor Rodgers after his one excellent start? From: Karl Monoco

Answer: Karl, this is a popular question. Jerry Dyer and Noel Marks are among those to also wonder about him.

Since Cade Povich has gone on the 15-day injured list, I expect the Orioles to recall him to start Wednesday night’s game in Tampa Bay.

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.