I’m going to continue taking my turn asking questions, knowing that the correct answer is unattainable this early in the offseason.
It’s also another chance to veer away from the constant chatter about a new manager, which is lacking anything concrete beyond reports that Yankees third base coach Luis Rojas interviewed for the job.
Here are two more.
Who’s the center fielder on Opening Day?
This is a new question because Cedric Mullins spent parts of eight seasons with the Orioles and played center in 791 games.
Mullins was traded to the Mets at the deadline, hit .182/.284/.281 for them and is reaching free agency. His timing isn’t ideal, with a combined .216/.299/.391 line in 133 games.
The Orioles love his basestealing and defense, and there’s always the possibility that they try to bring him back on a team-friendly, keep-the-position-warm type of deal. Enrique Bradfield Jr., the 17th overall pick in 2023 and the No. 4 prospect in the organization per MLB Pipeline, made it to Triple-A for 15 games this summer but isn’t ready. Hamstring injuries are a concern because speed is his game.
It’s elite, an 80-grade runner, and it disappears when his legs aren’t right.
The most logical in-house candidate is Colton Cowser, who moved from left to center after the Mullins trade and impressed with his range. The man can handle the position, but the Orioles seem to value his work in left a little more.
The reason why center makes sense is because the Orioles have corner outfielders on hand with Dylan Beavers, Tyler O’Neill, Jeremiah Jackson (in right) and maybe Heston Kjerstad if he can return from the health issue that shut him down. Dylan Carlson can play anywhere but is a non-tender candidate.
The front office is searching for an impact hitter and the outfield is the likely spot. The Orioles are set behind the plate and the infield is well stocked unless a trade happens.
They could acquire multiple outfielders, including a Carlson type who backs up at all three positions.
The main grab needs to have center field skills. He also could be the primary starter.
Who goes first?
Interim manager Tony Mansolino made the bold statement back in June.
Jackson Holliday hit an opposite-field, left-on-left, three-run homer, and Mansolino turned to the person standing next to him in the dugout and said, “This is your leadoff hitter, at least for the next five years.”
Left unspoken was the possibility of someone else writing out the lineup next season.
Holliday batted first in 113 games and slashed .236/.311/.366. He appeared in 149 overall, second most on the team behind Gunnar Henderson’s 154, and slashed .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs that tied for the lead.
The Orioles need to decide if it’s worth keeping Holliday atop the order and hoping that he gets on base with more consistency. His 140 strikeouts led the team, but so did his 586 at-bats.
The other consideration is who would replace Holliday.
A scout from another organization suggested Jordan Westburg, as long as he can stay on the field, which has presented a challenge. And it felt more like a recommendation by default.
Henderson has done it but should keep batting third as a run producer. Beavers played in only 35 games but registered a .375 on-base percentage and walked 26 times.
Beavers slashed .278/.383/.459 in 361 minor league games. He went 31-for-34 in stolen base attempts with Double-A Chesapeake in 2024 and 23-for-28 this year at Triple-A Norfolk.
Does the decision come down to Holliday or Beavers? Let’s check the roster after Mike Elias is done with it.