Orioles Mailbag: Why Baltimore Isn’t Reuniting with Danny Coulombe and How Mutual Options Really Work

As the Baltimore Orioles continue shaping their roster for the upcoming season, questions from fans remain focused on bullpen depth and contract structure. Two recurring topics stand out: the puzzling absence of left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from Baltimore’s offseason plans and confusion surrounding how mutual options function in MLB contracts.

Below, we break down both issues and explain why the answers may not be as straightforward as they appear.

Question:

Since Danny Coulombe is a free agent, why wouldn’t the Orioles be interested in bringing him back to add depth to the bullpen? Most fans were surprised when Baltimore didn’t pursue him last year. He pitched very well for Minnesota, and he’s a lefty.
— Larry Bickford, Stewartstown, PA

Answer:

Larry, you’re not alone. This question continues to surface among Orioles fans, and even within the organization’s observer circle. Don Fazio has raised the same point, and it’s one I’ve addressed multiple times over the past year.

Simply put, the Orioles’ decision not to retain Danny Coulombe has been both surprising and disappointing given his performance and fit.

Baltimore declined Coulombe’s $4 million club option for the 2025 season, a move that caught many off guard. At the time, Coulombe had proven himself as a reliable left-handed reliever—something every contending team values, especially in today’s matchup-driven bullpen environment.

Coulombe’s 2025 Performance Breakdown

After leaving Baltimore, Coulombe posted exceptional numbers with the Minnesota Twins:

• 1.16 ERA in 40 appearances

• Zero home runs allowed

• Consistent effectiveness against left-handed hitters

• Strong command and late-inning reliability

Those numbers alone make a compelling case for why the Orioles could use him, particularly given their ongoing bullpen turnover.

However, Coulombe’s season wasn’t flawless. After being traded to Texas later in the year, his performance dipped:

• 5.25 ERA in 15 games

• Allowed seven runs total, six of which came in just two outings

That context matters. Outside of two rough appearances, Coulombe was largely effective, but front offices tend to weigh end-of-season struggles heavily—especially for relievers nearing their mid-30s.

Why the Orioles Are Still Unlikely to Bring Him Back

Despite his success and left-handed profile, there are several reasons Baltimore may remain hesitant:

1. Age and durability concerns – Coulombe is entering his mid-30s, and the Orioles have prioritized younger, controllable bullpen arms.

2. Organizational philosophy – Baltimore has shown a strong preference for developing in-house relievers rather than paying market rates for veteran bullpen help.

3. Bullpen flexibility – The team values pitchers with option years and multi-inning potential, something Coulombe does not offer.

4. Cost vs. upside calculation – Even modest contracts are scrutinized under Baltimore’s payroll strategy.

While Coulombe would undeniably help the Orioles’ bullpen on paper, all signs point to the organization moving in a different direction.

Bottom line: He’d be an excellent addition—but don’t expect a reunion in 2026.

Question:

Could you explain how a mutual option works? For example, if Tyler O’Neill had a mutual option and wanted to exercise it, but the Orioles didn’t, what would happen?
— Will Statter

Answer:

Will, this is a great question—and one that confuses many fans because “mutual options” sound far more significant than they usually are.

Let’s start with the real-world example you’re likely referencing: Zach Eflin’s $25 million mutual option for the 2027 season.

How Mutual Options Actually Work

A mutual option can only be exercised if both the player and the team agree to it. If either side declines, the option is void.

In practice, this means:

• If the player wants it but the team doesn’t → option is declined

• If the team wants it but the player doesn’t → option is declined

• Both must say yes → option is exercised

Because both sides must agree, mutual options are rarely exercised. In most cases, they function more like accounting tools or placeholders than realistic contract extensions.

Why Mutual Options Almost Never Happen

• If a player outperforms the contract value, they usually decline and seek a better deal on the open market.

• If a player underperforms, the team typically declines to avoid overpaying.

• When both sides are satisfied, extensions are usually negotiated before the option year.

That’s why many executives view mutual options as symbolic rather than practical.

Clearing Up the Tyler O’Neill Confusion

Tyler O’Neill’s contract with the Orioles did not include a mutual option.

Instead, O’Neill signed a three-year deal with a player opt-out after the first season. He chose not to exercise that opt-out, meaning the Orioles remain responsible for the final two guaranteed years of his contract.

A player opt-out is very different from a mutual option:

• Opt-out: Player decides

• Team option: Team decides

• Mutual option: Both must agree

Final Thoughts

Both of these topics highlight the Orioles’ broader roster-building philosophy:

• They are cautious with veteran relievers, even productive ones like Danny Coulombe.

• They use contract structures (like mutual options) to maintain flexibility rather than make long-term commitments.

While some of these decisions frustrate fans, they align with Baltimore’s emphasis on cost control, internal development, and long-term sustainability.

As the season approaches, questions like these will continue—and so will debates about whether the Orioles are doing just enough to contend.