More to know about Noel and another dozen mailbag leftovers for breakfast

The Orioles increased their total number of players in DFA limbo to three yesterday by adding reliever George Soriano. But that’s only half the story.

Not the most interesting part, either.

President of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias claimed outfielder Jhonkensy Noel on waivers from the Guardians, a move that didn’t seem to be on the shopping list.

First a Polar Bear, and now “Big Christmas.”

Maybe J.T. Snow will come out of retirement.

The baseball world is a small one, and Noel’s first major league home run was hit against Grayson Rodriguez in his first plate appearance on June 26, 2024 at Camden Yards.

Noel finished with seven doubles, a triple, 13 home runs and 28 RBIs in 67 games as a rookie, but he slashed .162/.183/.297 with two doubles, six homers and 13 RBIs last season in 69 games. He’s struck out 115 times in 351 plate appearances.

Big swings can lead to big misses. However, he belted a game-tying, two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 of the 2024 American League Championship Series against the Yankees. A legend was born and then booted out of Cleveland a year later. 

Right-handed power was a priority for Elias, and he traded Rodriguez for Taylor Ward and signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract. Now comes Noel, who’s reunited with new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz. 

Think of it as a low-risk move with the potential for a high reward. Noel is out of minor league options and he’s paid a pre-arbitration salary. Bring him to camp and see if he can fill a bench role, however he’d fit on the roster. 

He also plays first base, but the Orioles seem set at that position. The overflow could flood Eutaw Street. 

Let’s dip into the mailbag again for 12 more questions.

Roch, wishing your family the best. Why did President of Baseball Operations/General Manager Mike Elias sign Leody Taveras so early in the offseason?
Thank you. Taveras will be an interesting figure in camp. He’s out of options and the Orioles signed him for $2 million. Elias wanted to improve outfield depth and he liked the flexibility that Taveras supplied. The defense in center field was a major attraction and gave the club a backup plan. The Orioles also believe they can get more out of him offensively. They acted fast, before another team could sign him. The contract could dissuade clubs from claiming him if he’s put on waivers. That’s just a theory.

Any chance Imai goes back to Japan?
None. Sorry, this is an old leftover. The Astros signed Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract that includes player opt-outs after 2026 and 2027. The deal is worth $54 million.

Do you think the outfield is set for 2026 Opening Day?
This question was posted before yesterday. Here’s my original answer: “I think Elias could make another depth move. Otherwise, it’s easy to envision Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers as locks and Leody Taveras as the favorite to be the fifth guy.” And now? Noel is out of options, doesn’t play center field and isn’t winning a Gold Glove. I don’t know how this is gonna work.

Are the O's still in pursuit of Valdez?
The Exxon Valdez ran aground on the Bligh Reef on March 24, 1989. After several changes of name and ownership, the tanker was converted for hauling bulk ore in the South China Sea. Following a collision with a cargo ship in November 2012, the ore carrier was sold, again renamed, and then resold for scrap and routed to India. (h/t to the internet).

That was a lot of effort for a really dumb joke.
That wasn’t a question.

Are the O’s still in pursuit of Framber Valdez?
Yes. I haven’t heard anything about them dropping out of the chase. Agent Scott Boras is developing a really nice relationship with the Orioles, which wasn’t true back in the day. The polar (bear) opposite.

How does a mutual option work?
Man, you really disappoint me. We demand a higher baseball IQ here. You must be lost. But OK, just this once. For the option to be exercised, both sides have to agree to it. It’s voided if one or both sides decline, and that’s usually how it plays out. Zach Eflin has a mutual option for 2027, but he’s more likely to re-enter free agency.

The trade for Corbin Burnes in 2024 included future considerations. Do we know what those were?
A 2024 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick. You don’t hear as much about it Joey Ortiz and DL Hall.

Have members of the team reached out to Shane Baz and/or Pete Alonso yet, or do they wait till players report to spring training?
Teammates have spoken to both players. Baz and Zach Eflin are friends, so they were quick to connect.

Would you do the Polar Bear plunge with Pete Alonso if the Orioles asked you to join in on the fun the week of Jan. 23-31 at Sandy Point State Park?
Please don’t give them any ideas. I participated once, a long time ago, if it counts as plunging when you run into the freezing water until it reaches your waist area and then make a hasty retreat. And yes, we’re calling it my “waist area.”

Now that Samuel Basallo has made his debut for the Orioles, who might be the next closest to contributing for the Orioles from the international signings made by the team?
MLB Pipeline ranks pitcher Esteban Mejia seventh among Orioles prospects after he received a $150,000 bonus in 2024. However, he turns 19 in March and hasn’t pitched above low Class A. Pitcher Keeler Morfe is ranked 16^th. However, he’s only 19 and hasn’t pitched above low Class A. Left-hander Luis De León is ranked 18^th, will be 23 in April and made three starts last summer with Double-A Chesapeake. So … maybe De León? O’s got him cheap with a $30,000 bonus. But also keep an eye on switch-hitting infielder Aron Estrada, who’s ranked 22^nd and turns 21 this month. Estrada batted a combined .288/.366/.447 last year with 16 doubles, eight triples, 10 home runs, 53 RBIs and 34 stolen bases in 40 attempts over 108 games between High-A Aberdeen and Chesapeake.

Are you taking on any additional broadcasting responsibilities this season with MASN?
As far as I know, just the usual segments on the pre-game show. No one is picketing outside the ballpark demanding more of me.