All of baseball is waiting for Juan Soto to make a decision

Good morning, birdland,

Much of the baseball world appears to be on hold as Juan Soto ponders the numerous offers worth over $600 million he has already received this offseason. Teams that don’t win Soto are expected to move on for more moderate price Free agents, including the Orioles’ top target Corbin Burnes, as well as other priorities.

Soto won’t be an Oriole, but where he ends up will clearly have an impact on this team. If he picks one of the three AL East teams that are rumored to be in the mix, it would be a headache for him for years to come. But if he ends up somewhere else, that might just mean those rivals have more money to spend elsewhere this winter.

The fact that Soto is an outfielder is also relevant for the Orioles. The team is said to be looking for a right-handed outfielder. There are a few options, like Teoscar Hernández or a reunion with Switch hit Anthony Santander. But those two won’t sign before Soto. The organizations that the $600 million man spurns will naturally turn to the next level of rackets, which could then drive up their price.

Even large trades may have to wait. What type of prospect a club is willing to take could change depending on whether they sign Soto. This can cut both ways. Maybe it makes it easier to move a young, advanced outfielder into your system, or maybe it makes you retain a cheap, flexible talent so your roster doesn’t become financially bloated.

So when will Soto make a decision? It sounds like that could happen this week. The MLB Winter Meetings begin Monday, an annual opportunity for agents, players and teams to make a public splash. Therefore, an official announcement may be delayed until then. This will be a welcome move for baseball as a whole and should lead to a flurry of notable transactions before Christmas.

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Browsing Another Orioles Mailbag | Smelled Kubatko
The most interesting detail is Roch’s take on the Orioles, who are seen as “pushing for notable additions” this offseason. It appears the team is taking its three priorities seriously: front-line starter, right-handed outfielder, backup catcher. How they actually check those boxes is another matter entirely.

Value definition in the pitching market | The Baltimore Banner
In addition to the pitching discussion, Jon Meoli presents a scenario in which Alex Bregman becomes the Orioles’ everyday third baseman. Jordan Westburg would take over second base duty and Jackson Holliday would move to the outfield. That’s honestly a nice thought, but it also feels like there are A LOT of moving parts in an offseason. This is probably why the Orioles are out.

6 teams with a chance of making a trade at the Winter Meetings | MLB.com
The Orioles are considered the team with the highest “tradeability grade” in their minor league group. It makes sense. The organization is ready to go deeper, and some of its better prospects are twice as high as those already in the majors. Something has to give, and if they don’t re-sign Burnes, a trade for some of this young talent seems like a necessity.

Corbin Burnes is an example that strikeouts are trending in the MLB | Steve Melewski
It feels like batsmen are rediscovering unique roles instead of all trying to hit for power. And they are successful! This is positive for the game. For most players, it is far more interesting than the three true results style.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday!

• Jackson Holiday turns 21 today. This is a big birthday for the former baseball star! His rookie season in 2024 was… not good. But that’s been an issue for many of Baltimore’s youngest young players. However, he is expected to play a big role on this team in 2025.
• Stan Jefferson is 62 years old. The outfielder bounced around the league for six years, including 45 games with the O’s between 1989 and 1990.
• Lee Smith is now 67 years old. His Hall of Fame career included one season in Baltimore. In 1994, he saved 33 games for the Orioles and had a 3.29 ERA while making the AL All-Star team and finishing fifth in Cy Young voting.

This day in the history of O

1963 – The Orioles trade outfielder Al Smith to Cleveland for outfielder Willie Kirkland for $25,000.

1968 – A major trade occurs between Houston and Baltimore. Outfielders Curt Blefary and John Mason are traded to the Astros in exchange for pitcher Mike Cuellar and infielders Elijah Johnson and Enzo Hernandez.

1973 – Ross Grimsley is traded from the Reds to the Orioles in a trade for outfielder Merv Rettenmund and infielder Junior Kennedy.

1974 – The Orioles acquire outfielder Ken Singleton and pitcher Mike Torrez from the Expos while sending pitcher Dave McNally, outfielder Rich Coggins and prospect Bill Kirkpatrick to Montreal.

1988 – Eddie Murray trades from the Orioles to the Dodgers in a deal that brings pitchers Ken Howell and Brian Holton and prospect Juan Bell to Baltimore.