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The Orioles went into the Winter Meetings with a full 40-man roster and kept it that way. They just changed some of the names.
The big one, of course, is first baseman Pete Alonso, with the ink now dried on five-year, $155 million contract. To make room, the Orioles designated catcher Maverick Handley for assignment.
"I think as the free agent process, once that kind of starts, you really kind of don’t know what’s going to happen," Alonso said at yesterday's introductory press conference. "It’s this weird baseball limbo. But then as you start to sit down and really start to think about things, you kind of have some time to really reflect. As the offseason progressed, realistically, as we got further along, this partnership to me, it was just head and shoulders above everybody else. This park, this city, this team, this organization, everything combined, everything just clicked. And for me, it was the perfect fit, not just as a player but for family life, too.
"I could go up and down a laundry list of things, there were just so many boxes, and every single box this place checked. For us, we’re just so pleased, and for this organization to see me, not just in the now but in the future, I mean, it’s such a blessing. I can’t wait to play, I can’t wait to perform, I can’t wait to win games.”
Switch-hitting catcher Drew Romo was a DFA victim Wednesday, which led to the understandable assumption that the Orioles were clearing a spot for Alonso. But no. They claimed left-hander Josh Walker on waivers from the Braves, bringing him back to the organization.
Walker made six appearances with Triple-A Norfolk and allowed two earned runs (three total) with three hits and seven strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. He could come to camp with a chance to make the club. It could attempt to sneak him through waivers, which the Braves were unable to do, and give him a non-roster invite. Walker has one more minor league option.
President of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias is hopeful of acquiring at least two starting pitchers for the front and back portions of the rotation. He could sign a couple of free agents, swing a few trades or do both.
The bullpen also must be addressed. Can’t stop at Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge. A utility infielder and catcher could be among the position players on Elias’ shopping list.
Elias arrived in Orlando with interest in another center fielder. He talked about making room for any bat, which is why he chased Kyle Schwarber. A full-time designated hitter made less sense than Alonso or, say, Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, but those home run and RBI totals are intoxicating.
If the Orioles were forced to set their roster today, what 13 position players would they carry?
Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo are locked in as the catchers. Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are infielders on the 40-man. Taylor Ward, Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers and Leody Taveras are the leading outfield contenders. Jeremiah Jackson can be used in the infield and outfield.
That’s 14, and that’s not bad.
Elias talked about the possibility of Jackson filling a utility role. He’d have to do a lot more than play right field and third base.
Taveras is out of options and being paid $2 million. Mountcastle was tendered a contract but could be traded rather than earn close to $8 million as a part-timer. Mayo could be traded because he’s also a chip, or he could be optioned – which would be a really hard sell for the kid – and told again to tear up Triple-A and wait for an opportunity.
As Elias said this week, “It is never a problem if you have too many good bats.”
Alonso is under contract for five years. Is there ever going to be another opportunity for Mayo? He isn’t going back to third base. He could get some time at designated hitter when Basallo, Rutschman, O’Neill or someone else isn’t in the way. Alonso was the Mets’ DH in two games this season and went 4-for-10 with a home run. He was the DH in one game in 2024 and hit a home run. He also pinch-hit once, the reason why he played in 162 games instead of 161, and he doubled.
Manager Craig Albernaz could give him more rest, whether at DH or on the bench. But starts for Mayo wouldn’t be nearly as plentiful as they were over the last two months of the 2025 season.
The Orioles might be doing Mayo and themselves a favor if they can package him for a starting pitcher, but there’s always a risk in relinquishing a player with this kind of power and potential.
Being able to identify the 13 position players becomes harder if Elias also brings in another center fielder. Does that put Beavers at risk in some fashion – a trade or being optioned. Or is it Cowser? Or neither.
Isn’t this fun?
Let’s dig through the mailbag for a few questions.
What happened to Ryan Noda?
Noda was designated for assignment. He cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.
Does Pete Alonso plan on playing in 162 games, like he's done the last two seasons?
Alonso doesn't write out the lineups, and his manager was sitting in the front row of his press conference when he talked about it, but he thinks it's important. “Yeah, for sure," he said. "That’s a level of professionalism that I take pride in. But ultimately that just comes from loving the game. I love playing the game, and playing and competing at the major league level is really just a blessing and I take pride in that. Anytime I’m able to walk through the tunnel, strap it on and go play, it’s such an amazing opportunity and I don’t take that opportunity lightly. Whether it be me preparing or me doing recovery postgame, I just have a tremendous love for this game, and as long as I’m healthy or even when things don’t feel good, it doesn’t matter, because any day that ends in ‘y,’ I’m ready to go out there as long as I’m able to.” Does that answer your question?
Assuming Mike Elias is willing to try several strategies for acquiring a top-level starter, which option will the Orioles most likely try first? Cobble a trade to get a premium guy like he did for Corbin Burnes, go pay big for a free agent like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez or Tatsuya Imai, or hope he finds one under the tree on Christmas?
No chance for the last one. A model train set would be nice, though. I remember wanting a model, but I digress. Elias already is talking trades and negotiating with agents, so it’s hard to say which one he’d try “first.” He has known interest in the biggest arms on the free agent market, including Valdez, Suárez, Imai and Michael King. He’s talked about having the flexibility to flip players acquired in the most recent draft and at the trade deadline. Reenforcing the farm system wasn’t done just to provide options for the Orioles on their major league roster. I’ve stated that it’s easier to make a trade if you’re willing to part with prospects. You aren’t dragged into a bidding war with the biggest spenders, and the players can’t refuse you. But the Orioles aren’t working under past financial constraints. It’s more difficult to place odds on which avenue the Orioles choose when deep pockets hold more than just the car keys and iPhone.
Do you see any chance for a reunion with Tomoyuki Sugano or John Means?
I don’t expect it but I also can’t completely dismiss it. The Orioles are looking for multiple starters, and Sugano or Means would fit in the back end of the rotation. The Orioles would need to be convinced that Means is fully healthy, of course, and could stay that way. They traded Grayson Rodriguez while having concerns about his durability. His ability to make it through a full season. I should probably pull back from any Means debates because I’m not an impartial observer. I’d love to see him back in Baltimore. But that’s coming from a media standpoint.
Why is Félix Bautista not on 60-day IL? That should free up a spot, right? Unless there’s some offseason rule I don't understand.
Teams make their 60-day moves in spring training. Bautista will come off the 40-man roster. Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells were transferred in March.
When do pitchers and catchers report to spring training?
They’re arriving in waves, and more than usual. Pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic are scheduled to report Feb. 9, while position players participating in the WBC report Feb. 12. The remaining pitchers and catchers will report on Feb. 11, followed by position players on Feb. 16.
Orange carpet rolled out. New VIP enhancements in place. It's Opening Day 2026. Do we see a polar bear section added? An expanded area next to the splash zone where it now snows on fans and we serve exclusively cold & frozen drinks? Seats with extra A/C & where it's worth bringing the O's winter hats?
This question came before the Alonso signing. I’m not sure if the intent was to check whether I thought the Orioles would get him. Yes, yes I do. I think a winter splash zone is an awesome idea. Could there actually be two zones, the Mr. Splash and Alonso-themed? I mean, as long as they’re renovating the ballpark …
Did you have any nicknames growing up? And if you had to choose, would you go by "Rochy" or "Rochie?"
I wasn’t nearly as smart as my sister, which still holds true today, so I went by “Polar Opposite.” And this is a good place to stop.
