The Baltimore Orioles are facing a potentially transformative offseason, as they brace for the possible departures of key players that could reshape their roster dynamics.
The spotlight shines on their standout starting pitcher, Corbin Burnes, and their All-Star right fielder, Anthony Santander, both of whom are testing the free agency waters.
Losing either would be significant, but parting with Burnes could be particularly consequential for their pitching lineup.
Baltimore’s pitching needs are pressing, even with Burnes in their plans, due to injuries among their starters.
If Burnes were to bid farewell, the Orioles would likely kickstart a vigorous search for pitching talent in the trade market, considering the likes of Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox as a potential target.
In the realm of offense, the absence of Santander would be felt, yet the Orioles are blessed with a wealth of promising hitters within the organization.
This depth might soften the blow slightly, with free agency providing avenues to fill any void.
There’s buzz among the fanbase about aiming high in free agency to snag a player like Juan Soto.
His profile as a young, stellar performer fitting seamlessly into Baltimore’s existing core—featuring Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and others—makes him an enticing option.
Add to that the impact of removing Soto from the Yankees’ powerhouse duo with Aaron Judge, and it’s a tempting proposition.
However, the realistic pursuit of Soto seems unlikely. Industry insights, such as those from Jim Bowden at The Athletic, point out that Baltimore doesn’t rank among the top 10 potential destinations for Soto’s talents.
Instead, several AL East adversaries, including the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, appear higher on that list.
For the Orioles, the ideal scenario sees Soto leaving the AL East altogether, reducing the number of times they face him in the regular season.
Short of securing Soto themselves, watching him join the National League would be a favorable turn of events.
As the Orioles contemplate the broader challenges and opportunities of this offseason, their absence from the Soto sweepstakes might not be so surprising, given the roster gaps that need addressing.
