As baseball fans eagerly anticipate the start of spring training, teams across Major League Baseball are diligently preparing for the 2025 season. Among these teams, the Baltimore Orioles are actively shaping their roster, intent on improving their standing in the competitive environment of professional baseball.
Baltimore Orioles: Building a Competitive Roster
The Baltimore Orioles, under the new leadership of billionaire owner David Rubenstein, have made significant strides in bolstering their ranks. A notable acquisition is veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, whose experience is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Orioles' pitching lineup. However, Morton alone isn't the solution to all their needs.
The Orioles are also in pursuit of additional talent, particularly seeking a frontline starter, an experienced reliever, and a versatile bench player. These acquisitions are essential for rounding out a roster poised to compete at a higher level this coming season. With an estimated payroll of $136 million for 2025—a figure considerably lower than their 2016 Opening Day payroll of $148 million but markedly higher than last year's $93 million—the Orioles seem financially prepared to invest thoughtfully in key positions.
Roki Sasaki: A Highly Sought-After Talent
Amidst this flurry of activity, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki emerges as one of the most intriguing prospects in the free-agent market, ranking as the seventh-best available this offseason. His growing popularity, however, has not gone unnoticed. Sasaki, despite not having an in-person meeting with the Boston Red Sox, has engaged in discussions with several MLB heavyweights, including the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Padres, Rangers, and Yankees. Nonetheless, due to international bonus pool restrictions, Sasaki is eligible to sign only a minor-league contract with a capped signing bonus of $10 million—a stipulation that adds a layer of complexity to his signing.
The international signing period, pivotal for Sasaki and other international talents, is slated to commence on January 15 and will proceed until January 23. This window of opportunity will shape the rosters of many teams as they seek out fresh talent to invigorate their lineups.
The St. Louis Cardinals: Embracing Change
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are embarking on a period of transformation. As John Mozeliak, President of Baseball Operations for the Cardinals, succinctly put it, the team is undergoing a "reset." This strategic overhaul centers around fortifying their bullpen with a robust late-inning reliever, a need keenly felt as the Cardinals position themselves for future success.
With experienced arms like Kenley Jansen, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates remaining available, the Cardinals have viable options to achieve their bullpen goals. It's worth noting that free agents Jeff Hoffman and Tanner Scott, ranked 24th and 27th respectively on the top 50 free agents list, also remain unsigned and could be valuable assets during this transition.
This methodical "reset" isn't merely about filling holes; it's a comprehensive effort to realign the team's trajectory, ensuring that the Cardinals remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.
As the offseason unfolds, the narratives surrounding teams like the Orioles and Cardinals will continue to evolve. Their strategic decisions, driven by a combination of financial considerations and a keen eye for talent, will ultimately determine their fortunes in the coming season. For the fans, the anticipation builds as the promise of a new season—and the hope it invariably brings—draws ever closer.