Boras thinks Orioles will stay aggressive in pursuing free agents; Joe Foss dies

LAS VEGAS—Scott Boras, the most powerful agent in baseball has several high-profile Oriole clients, including infielders Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg.

Last December, Boras guided another client, first baseman Pete Alonso, to the Orioles when he signed a five-year, $155 million deal, the largest negotiated under president of baseball operations Mike Elias.

Elias has credited the ownership group led by David Rubenstein for allowing the team to be more aggressive.

This year, Elias’ top clients include star pitcher Tarik Skubal, who’s expected to draw a record contract, and outfielder Randy Arozarena.

At the General Managers Meetings on Wednesday, Boras said he thinks that the Orioles will continue to pursue top free agents.

“Well, again they have the ability to do it,” Boras said. “I think fans should know you have the ability, then you have to look at the intellectual plan, what they plan to do, but everything we’ve heard from the Orioles every offseason is they’re trying to add. They’re trying to advance, and I think that’s been a flavor that we hope continues.”

The Orioles are looking to add outfielders, and the 31-year-old Arozarena is considered the top available free agent.

Arozarena is a player the Orioles are familiar with since they saw him often in the five seasons he was with Tampa Bay before moving on to Seattle at the 2024 trade deadline.

“He’s a model of consistency,” Boras said. “And he’s done it in a market where right-handed hitters go to die. I mean he’s 20-20 every year, multiple All-Star teams. I think you’d say he was Seattle’s best hitter this season.

“Essentially, this rose has no thorns. All the teams, frankly, they’re feeling really Randy.”

In 67 games against the Orioles, Arozarena has a .309 average and .915 OPS, 17 home runs and 50 RBIs. That’s the most homers and RBIs against any team. He’s hit well at Oriole Park with a .310 average, .895 OPS, eight homers and 28 RBIs in 37 games.

Former Orioles executive Joe Foss dies

Joe Foss, who was the vice chairman and chief operating officer of the Orioles from 1993-2007, died on Wednesday, the team announced.

“A banker by trade, Joe helped with the acquisition of the club by Peter Angelos,” the Orioles wrote on X. “He also helped negotiate the deal with MLB that established the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.”

Hall of Famer Jim Palmer paid tribute to Foss on X. “Saddened by the passing of Joe Foss, longtime executive with the Orioles and a positive figure to so many other charitable organizations in the Baltimore region. Joe always had a smile on his face and shepherded the Angelos family into the baseball business with the building of Camden Yards. RIP.”

Foss was 77.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com