As Major League Baseball's offseason progresses, teams are actively shaping their rosters in anticipation of the upcoming season. With spring training camps just over five weeks away, the Baltimore Orioles and the St. Louis Cardinals are among the franchises making significant strides in that direction.
Orioles Maneuver in Preparation for 2025
The spotlight in Baltimore is on the reshaping of the Orioles' roster as they prepare for the 2025 season. Having secured the talents of veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, the Orioles aim to bolster their lineup with additions that could provide a competitive edge. Morton’s expertise is expected to enhance the pitching rotation, a crucial factor for a team seeking to remain agile in an ever-competitive league.
Furthermore, the Orioles have set their sights on acquiring a frontline starter, an experienced reliever, and a versatile bench player from both the free-agent and trade markets. Such strategic moves could further strengthen the roster and provide depth, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the rigorous demands of the season.
Financially, the Orioles are projected to have a payroll of $136 million for the 2025 season. This marks a noticeable increase compared to last year's Opening Day payroll of $93 million but testifies to the team's commitment to developing a formidable lineup. However, they still fall short of the Opening Day payroll from 2016, which stood at $148 million, highlighting a cautious yet focused approach to spending.
Under the new ownership of billionaire David Rubenstein, the Orioles are poised for a new era. Rubenstein's financial acumen and resources are expected to drive the team towards sustainable success in the coming years.
The International Signing Scene and Roki Sasaki
In a notable development on the international front, Roki Sasaki, a highly-touted Japanese pitcher, has been ranked as the seventh-best free agent available this offseason. This status has generated significant interest across the league. However, in an unexpected move, the Boston Red Sox did not have an in-person meeting with him. Instead, Sasaki engaged with several renowned franchises, including the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees.
While Sasaki's potential addition to any roster is an enticing prospect, his signing process is constrained by international bonus pool rules. Consequently, he can only ink a minor-league contract with a signing bonus capped at $10 million. The international signing period, spanning from January 15 to January 23, will be pivotal as teams vie for his signature.
Cardinals in Transition
On the other end of the spectrum, the St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing a transition, described by their President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak as a "reset." This recalibration involves bolstering the bullpen, an area that has been earmarked for reinforcement during this period of change.
The Cardinals are particularly focused on acquiring a robust late-inning reliever. With veteran relievers like Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates still available, the Cardinals have viable options to explore. Strengthening the bullpen is paramount to the Cardinals' strategy, particularly as Mozeliak's leadership navigates the team through this transitional phase.
Additionally, free agents Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked 24th and 27th on the top 50 list, remain unsigned and may attract interest from the Cardinals as they look to reinforce their roster.
As the offseason continues, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these moves translate once teams take the field. The dynamics in Baltimore and St. Louis reflect the broader strategic adjustments teams undertake in their quest for competitive advantage. With spring training fast approaching, these calculated maneuvers aim to position the Orioles and Cardinals for success in the season ahead.