Will Orioles pursue Japanese players in free agency? | MAILBAG

Question: In view of David Rubenstein’s recent comments about no financial constraints, or words to that effect, do you think the Orioles will pursue one or both of the Japanese players — pitcher Tatsuya Imai and third baseman Munetaka Murakami, who are being posted by their teams? From: Rick Rogers

Answer: Rick, I think the Orioles will be more aggressive in pursuing free agents, but I don’t think they’ll be focused on Murakami because if they’re going to spend real money, it will be on starting pitching and accomplished outfielders.

The Orioles had moderate success with starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, but he was 35. Imai is 27, and that would make him more attractive to teams.

I’m not sure what his market might be, but I’m sure the Orioles will at least look closely at him.

Question: Do you think signing Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham away from the Yankees would be good? Also would picking up Pete Fairbanks from Tampa Bay and Danny Coloumbe be solid signings? From: David Lorenzo

Answer: David, even though the Orioles could use more right-handed power hitters in the outfield, I think both Bellinger and Grisham would be worthy additions. They’re not going to sign both. They may not sign either, but they should look seriously.

MLBTradeRumors.com predicts a five-year, $140 million deal for Bellinger and a four-year, $66 million one for Grisham. Neither of those is daunting, and seem in the Orioles’ price range.

I think Fairbanks would be an ideal closer, and his predicted price of two years at $18 million could be attractive.

I was a huge admirer of Danny Coulombe when he was here in 2023 and 2024. I think the Orioles made a mistake in not picking up his option for 2025, but I would be surprised if he returned.

He had terrific numbers for Minnesota, a 1.16 ERA in 40 games, but after his trade to Texas, his ERA was 5.25 in 15 games. I think they’ll look elsewhere.

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.