With spring training camps less than six weeks away, major league baseball teams are diligently finalizing their rosters in anticipation of the new season. The Baltimore Orioles, a team already on the path of transformation, have made significant moves that could reshape their prospects moving forward.
Orioles' Roster Developments
The Orioles have bolstered their lineup by securing the services of veteran pitcher Charlie Morton. Morton's acquisition evidences the franchise's commitment to strengthening its pitching rotation as the team looks for a frontline starter and an experienced reliever in the open markets. With Morton's addition, the Orioles have set a clear intention to improve their position in the standings and aspire towards greater competitiveness.
Beyond this, the Orioles are actively seeking a versatile bench player. The franchise's calculated moves align with its financial context: the team's estimated payroll for 2025 stands at $136 million, reflecting a strategic alignment with previous historical payroll boundaries. Comparatively, the Orioles' Opening Day payroll in 2016 was $148 million, while last year it dipped significantly to $93 million. This fluctuation illustrates a tactical recalibration under the new ownership of billionaire David Rubenstein.
Japanese Sensation Roki Sasaki
Elsewhere in the league, the offseason buzz centers around Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Ranked as the seventh-best free agent available, Sasaki has captured the attention of multiple major league teams, stirring excitement and speculation. Despite his high ranking, international signing restrictions limit Sasaki to only a minor-league contract with a signing bonus capped at $10 million, due to the prevailing international bonus pool rules. Nonetheless, he remains a hot prospect.
Sasaki's availability has sparked significant interest, as seen in his meetings with esteemed clubs like the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. Notably absent from this list are the Boston Red Sox, who, as reported, did not pursue an in-person meeting with Sasaki.
The international signing period for 2025 is slated to begin on January 15 and will extend until January 23, providing a narrow window for teams to secure the Japanese phenom's talents.
Cardinals' Strategic "Reset"
On the other side of the league, the St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing a "reset," a term used by the team's President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak. This strategic shift marks an effort to rebuild their bullpen, particularly seeking a robust late-inning reliever to underpin their pitching staff.
To this end, the Cardinals have shown interest in several veteran relievers still available on the market, including Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates. As they seek to enhance their roster, the Cardinals are eyeing solutions that can both stabilize and elevate their late-game performance.
Additionally, the Cardinals are evaluating other free-agent possibilities, including Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, who are ranked Nos. 24 and 27 on the top 50 free agents list. These unsigned pitchers could offer the depth and reliability the Cardinals are currently missing.
The evolving dynamics within these teams reflect broader trends in major league baseball, with franchises recalibrating their strategies to balance immediate needs with long-term viability. As the spring training season looms larger, these moves will likely become the foundations upon which the 2025 season narratives are built.