Why wouldn’t Orioles be interested in Danny Coulombe? | MAILBAG

Question: I still don’t understand why the O’s let Danny Coulombe walk in the first place. Is there some “non-public” reason? Regardless, after another good year in 2025, I believe he’s still a free agent this year. Have you heard anything on the O’s possibly bringing him back to bolster a bullpen with lots of question marks? From: Bob West

Answer: Bob, I am a big fan of Danny Coulombe, personally and professionally, and was surprised when the Orioles did not exercise his option after the 2024 season. I can only assume that they were wary of health issues.

Coulombe is the most accomplished reliever who hasn’t signed, and while I read earlier this offseason that five teams were interested in him, none signed him. Perhaps there is a health issue or the 36-year-old left-hander is holding out to get a contract more to his liking, but for the time being, it’s a mystery to me as well.

Question: Remind me how the ABS system works?  Also, how do they know how and where to draw the box. From: Barry Culman.

Answer: Barry, each team is given two challenges per game. If a challenge is successful, your challenge is retained. Only the catcher, batter and pitcher can challenge a call. They tap their cap to challenge. During the regular season a challenge is added per extra inning.

The top end of the zone is 53.5 percent of the player’s height while the bottom end 27 percent of the player’s height.

There won’t be a strike zone box on telecasts this season.

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.