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ORLANDO – For the Orioles to make a huge splash in free agency, they might have to dip into agent Scott Boras’ pool of superstar talent.
They haven’t shown a hesitancy to talk about it.
Boras represents pitchers Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen and Tatsuya Imai and first baseman Pete Alonso, among many others, and the Orioles have made it known that they want a frontline starter and an impact hitter.
Has Boras noticed that Orioles president of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias is more aggressive this offseason in his pursuit of Boras clients?
“You know, you gauge that by the notice of how they and their ownership respond to the offer exchanges that occur, and that varies in every market,” said Boras, who drew another big crowd to his annual Winter Meetings presser in the lobby at the Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek.
“I know that Mike has every intention to add players to his team and he’s been in regular communication with us about that.”
Boras wouldn’t confirm which teams are meeting with Alonso, though the Orioles reportedly have a session scheduled with him. Alonso lives in Tampa and is making the drive to Orlando.
“You can expect that a lot of teams want to spend time with Pete,” Boras said.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Dec. 1 and baseball could experience another shutdown, but Boras isn’t concerned how it might impact the free agent market.
“Historically, we’ve had major signings the year before a CBA,” he said. “The ebbs and flows of talent are what’s important to teams. … Unfortunately they don’t let us put clauses in contracts that players get paid when there is a disruption in performance in the CBA. Owners are protected from that. So I don’t think it wildly inhibits their actions.”
Among the Boras clients under team control are Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, infielder Jordan Westburg and second baseman Jackson Holliday. Henderson isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season, Westburg after 2029 and Holliday after 2030, but their prices will keep rising and retention becomes less likely.
Elias won’t share information about extension negotiations, saying its counterproductive to provide details for public consumption and risk damaging the trust built between team and agency.
Asked whether the Orioles are still showing a willingness to engage in serious talks regarding extensions for some of their young talent, Boras said, “That’s really something that we probably talk during the arbitration period or during spring training. Mike and I have a lot of conversations on the subject, but there’s nothing immediate.”
Boras got on another pun roll, as he did last month at the general manager meetings.
On Gallen: “I think for Zac, it’s high quality, never crude and always refined, and when you pull up to the pitching pump, a Gallen is always premium.”
On Imai: “When you have Imai, you have a 27-year-old pitcher who throws 98-99, teams look at that and say that, believe me, Imai wildest dreams I never expected someone to be available like that.”
On Suárez: “In the postseason, when you add a Suárez, I think everyone knows you’re armed and Rangerous, without a doubt.”
On Alex Bregman: “In October it’s Alex in Wonderland and it’s a Bregularly scheduled event.”
On Tarik Skubal grading favorably in advanced and traditional measures: "He's truly a Sabr-proof tiger."
* Kyle Schwarber is off the board. The slugger has agreed to stay with the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal, as first reported by ESPN.
The Orioles were interested in Schwarber as a designated hitter but now are more likely to focus only on an outfielder who can play center or a first baseman.
* Henderson will play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The announcement came this morning.
Games will be played in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan. Team USA opens against Brazil on March 6 in Houston.
Dean Kremer will pitch for Team Israel.
* Paul Hoynes was selected as the recipient of the BBWAA’s Career Excellence Award. He’s headed to the writers’ wing of the Hall of Fame.
Hoynes has covered Cleveland baseball since 1981, a remarkable stretch for a beat writer. He’s the 77th honoree.
The award will be renamed the Platinum Pen beginning in 2026.
* Former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde is in Orlando after becoming a Rays’ senior advisor in baseball operations. He’s spending most of his time in his team’s suite but was seen walking through the lobby this morning.
