Any smart executive has a fallback option, and for Orioles president of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias, it’s about his starting rotation and whether he can land an ace.

Would he really pivot to a soon-to-be 43-year-old future Hall of Famer?

Would a section of the fan base lose its collective minds?

The Athletic reported Friday that Elias is expressing interest in Justin Verlander, though it came with the caveat that a deal “is not close.” That part wasn’t in the headline but it appeared in the third paragraph.

Unanswered is the exact level of this interest and whether it’s tire kicking or talks that could advance to a much more serious stage.

For years, Orioles fans have entered each new season anticipating the debut of one of the game’s top prospects. Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday and, most recently, Samuel Basallo, had the promise of rapidly changing the franchise upon their arrival. 

Baltimore’s farm got a big upgrade last summer, both at the trade deadline and through the draft. Even still, barring a prospect’s rapid ascent, the Orioles will be without a debut of a top-75 prospect in the game, according to MLB Pipeline, for the first time since 2021. 

Don’t mistake that fact for the O’s not getting an impact from the farm, though. 

On this week’s edition of “The Bird’s Nest,” which you can watch here, Annie Klaff and I discussed some of the prospects that could debut this season. 

Enrique Bradfield Jr. 

So, what happened to the 11-year contract that outfielder Kyle Tucker was supposed to receive?

Chalk it up to the unpredictability of free agency.

MLBTradeRumors.com was among the sites projecting an astronomical payday for Tucker, using its formula to calculate $400 million over 11 seasons. Tucker instead agreed to a four-year $240 million contract with the Dodgers, which shattered annual average value (AAV) records. Don’t cry for him, Argentina. 

Update: The Blue Jays reportedly made a 10-year, $350 million offer to Tucker.

The Mets pivoted from Tucker yesterday and reached agreement with infielder Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal. Trade Rumors had him getting $208 million over eight years.

Every team passed on the opportunity to claim outfielder Jhonkensy Noel on waivers, which enabled the Orioles to outright him to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday. A relatively small roster move that kept “Big Christmas” in the organization.

Is it a big deal?

How he’d fit on an Opening Day roster isn’t apparent. It’s downright confusing.

A corner outfielder/first baseman with a minus-1.4 bWAR last season doesn’t necessarily fill a need. It’s more about the intrigue that comes from his raw power and the organizational perception that he can be fixed after slashing .193/.242/.401 in 136 games with the Guardians and striking out 115 times.

There’s a tremendous amount of trust in the hitting philosophies and instruction, and the Orioles added two new coaches in Dustin Lind and Brady North. We also can assume that new manager Craig Albernaz put in a good word after serving as Guardians bench coach for the past two seasons.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed LHP José Suarez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
• Designated OF Marco Luciano for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Inking catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million contract extension in August, only five days after his major league debut, highlighted the strides made by the Orioles in an international market that used to keep its doors closed to them.

The shopping has continued today at the start of the international signing period, and the Orioles handed out seven-figure bonuses to four players for the first time.

Shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo of the Dominican Republic earned the largest bonus in team history at $2.3 million, according to a source, which narrowly beats out the $2.297,500 given to shortstop Luis Almeyda in 2023.

Baseball America ranked Acevedo 11th on its bonus board and MLB Pipeline ranked him 14^th on its top 50 prospects list.

The Orioles also used their $8,034,900 bonus pool money on outfielder Ariel Roque at $1.7 million, outfielder Pedro Gomez at $1.25 million and catcher/outfielder Gabriel Rosario at $1.05 million. Baseball America was first to report the signings.

The Orioles today announced that they opened the 2025-26 International Signing Period with 10 contract agreements. Highlighting the Orioles’ 2025-26 international signing class are: shortstop JOSE LUIS ACEVEDO, the highest-paid international signee in club history, outfielders ARIEL ROQUE, PEDRO GOMEZ, and GABRIEL ROSARIO, and left-handed pitcher ANDRI HIDALGO. This year’s international signing class marks a milestone for the organization, featuring five players ranked among MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects, a new high after never having more than two in a single class. Of the 10 total agreements, eight are from the Dominican Republic and two are from Venezuela. The signing class includes five outfielders, two catchers, two infielders, and one pitcher.

“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals and their families to Birdland,” said KOBY PEREZ, Orioles Vice President, International Scouting and Operations. “This signing period brings an exciting new group of talented young players into our organization. None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our staff, along with the continued support of Mike Elias and our partnership group, in advancing our international operations.”

Acevedo, 17, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is ranked as the No. 14 international prospect by MLB Pipeline. He is one of the top infielders in the 2026 class, with the tools to develop into a high-level prospect. He projects to remain at shortstop, with the ability to hit for average and grow into game power. Acevedo pairs an aggressive approach at the plate with advanced bat control and barrel awareness. A confident defender, he shows soft hands, easy range to both sides, clean transfers, and a fluid arm action.

Roque, 17, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is ranked as the No. 18 international prospect by MLB Pipeline. A high-upside outfielder with a strong blend of hit tool, athleticism, and defensive value, he projects to hit above average with gap power and room for additional impact. He shows a confident swing and competitive edge with the athleticism, body control, and speed to remain in center field.

Hidalgo, 16, is a left-handed pitcher from San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He is ranked as the No. 25 international prospect by MLB Pipeline. A high-upside left-hander with starter traits and a strong competitive edge, he features a loose, effortless arm action with plus-plus arm speed. His fastball shows arm-side run and sink, reaching up to 98 mph. His slider serves as his primary out pitch, particularly effective against left-handed hitters. The changeup shows good feel and deception. He attacks the zone with confidence, displaying advanced pitchability and mound presence for his age.

The Orioles today announced the Spring Training television and radio broadcast schedule, in addition to the club’s broadcast talent lineup for the 2026 season, featuring the addition of JOSH LEWIN, a longtime broadcaster who first got his start in Baltimore in 1994.

The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) will again serve as the exclusive home for all Orioles games for the 20^th-straight season. The network will air 20 of the club’s Spring Training games, the most ever by an Orioles broadcast partner, including the exhibition game when the Orioles host the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, March 22. Games will also be available on MASN+. The Orioles Radio Network will broadcast 12 games on Hearst’s 98 Rock and WBAL News Radio, the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network, including the exhibition game at Oriole Park.

The complete Spring Training broadcast schedule can be found below:

The Ed Smith Stadium Box Office and Team Store will be open for in-person sales beginning Tuesday, January 20, at 10 a.m. ET. The Box Office and Team Store will remain open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of the 2026 Spring Training season. Parking will be available in the East Lot.

The Orioles will kick off their 17^th season at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, February 20, when they take on the New York Yankees at 1:05 p.m. The 2026 Spring Training schedule features 17 home games, including 13 afternoon games, all beginning at 1:05 p.m., and four night games, each slated to begin at 6:05 p.m., including one of Major League Baseball’s Spring Breakout Games when Orioles prospects face off against Boston Red Sox prospects on Friday, March 20, at 6:05 p.m.

For a complete list of promotions and special events at Ed Smith Stadium visit Orioles.com/Spring.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2026 minor league contract with C Sam Huff.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• OF Jhonkensy Noel cleared outright waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The international signing period starts today, one of the most significant dates on baseball’s offseason calendar.

It didn't used to be that way for the Orioles.

Baseball America reports that the Orioles have agreements with shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo, who’s projected to receive approximately $2.3 million, outfielders Ariel Roque ($1.8 million) and Pedro Gomez ($1.2 million), and catcher/outfielder Gabriel Rosario ($1 million).

Acevedo, who turned 17 in November, could match or surpass the franchise record signing bonus of $2.3 million for shortstop Luis Almeyda in 2023.

Baseball America ranked Acevedo 11th on its bonus board and MLB Pipeline ranked him 14^th on its top 50 prospects list.

Orioles unveil “Party at the Yard Fridays,” presented by Coors Light, and “Family Sundays," Tupac and Pete Alonso bobblehead giveaways, the return of fan-favorite Bark at Oriole Park nights and several new special ticket packages, and a $19 lower level ticket option for any game Monday-Thursday

The Orioles today announced that tickets for all 2026 regular season home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and special ticket packages will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, January 14. Tickets can be purchased at Orioles.com/Tickets. The club also announced a handful of special ticket packages and group days, “Party at the Yard Fridays” presented by Coors Light, “Family Sundays,” as well as the addition of a TUPAC Bobblehead giveaway on Friday, May 8 vs. Athletics, a PETE ALONSO Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, August 22 vs. Tampa Bay, and two fireworks nights on Friday, April 10, and Friday, May 29, both presented by SeatGeek. Additional ticket packages will be announced at a later date. A complete list of current promotions and special ticket packages, including some promotional item imagery and quantities, can be found online at Orioles.com/Promotions.

New this year, Reserved Birdland Members will receive Guaranteed Gate giveaways for all games in their plan. For information on purchasing a Birdland Membership, call 888-848-BIRD or visit Orioles.com/Memberships. Also, fans who subscribe to the free Orioles Insider email newsletter will receive an invitation to participate in an online pre-sale opportunity beginning Tuesday, January 13, at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can subscribe online at Orioles.com/Newsletter. Due to high demand, tickets for Opening Day on Thursday, March 26, when the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at 3:05 p.m., are available exclusively to Birdland Members.

The Orioles are excited to debut Party at the Yard Fridays, presented by Coors Light, and Family Sundays, elevating weekend experiences at the ballpark for fans. For every Friday home game, $5 Coors Lights (12 oz) will be available at the Coors Light Roof Deck and in Legends Park for the first hour after gates open. Fans can also enjoy live music and unique photo opportunities in Legends Park prior to the game and see surprise celebrity Guest Splashers in the Bird Bath Splash Zone. To learn more, visit Orioles.com/PartyAtTheYard.

Family Sundays will feature fun, family-friendly pregame experiences, including kids-only player and coach autograph sessions, live music and dance parties in Legends Park, and mascot meet and greets. Kids will also have the chance to participate in pre- and in-game activities, such as serve as Guest Splashers and yell the ceremonial “play ball.” Kids Run the Bases, presented by Weis Markets, will return following each Sunday home game for children ages 4-12. For more information, visit Orioles.com/FamilySundays.

We’re almost to the halfway point in January and top free agents Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Framber Valdez, Cody Bellinger, Ranger Suárez and Zac Gallen remain on the market.

The Orioles are linked to the starters. Nothing seems to have changed in that regard.

Their last piece of business was outrighting outfielder Will Robertson to Triple-A Norfolk after he cleared waivers. The situation with outfielder Jhonkensy Noel hasn’t been resolved after the Orioles designated him for assignment last Wednesday.

We know more about the promotional schedule and the upcoming Birdland Caravan. Otherwise, we continue to wait for the other big offseason shoe to drop.

Here’s another batch of potential questions for players confirmed for the Caravan that begins on Jan. 22.

The gauntlet, more commonly known as the AL East, is unrelenting. 

Featuring three major-market teams and two others considered to be some of the most forward thinking in the game, the division is oft-considered the best in baseball. Stars are acquired and developed at a medal pace. 

As such, the Orioles have done their best to keep up with that torrid stride this offseason, signing one of the best hitters the game has to offer in Pete Alonso, and trading for another power threat in Taylor Ward. The rest of the AL East hasn’t fared as well. 

Among players with at least 100 games in Boston in 2025, Alex Bregman led the team in both batting average, at .273, and OPS, at .821. They’ll be without his services in 2026, as Bregman is reportedly heading to the north side of Chicago on a five-year deal.

Boston also won’t get 73 games out of Rafael Devers, who, ironically, was dealt to San Francisco due, in part, to Bregman’s presence at third. Now, the Sox are left with neither. Former top prospect Marcelo Mayer projects to slot in at third, while Boston will look to the newly-acquired Wilson Contreras to replace Bregman’s production in the middle of the lineup. 

Tickets for all regular-season games at Camden Yards and special ticket packages go on sale to the general public on Wednesday.

Just head over to Orioles.com/Tickets for more information and to make purchases.

The club also announced some additional promotions, including Tupac and Pete Alonso bobbleheads. Because you can’t think of one without the other.

Shakur lived in Baltimore from 1984–88 and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, jazz and ballet.

The Orioles will distribute Tupac Bobbleheads to the first 15,000 fans prior to the Friday, May 8 game against the Athletics, and the Alonso Bobblehead to the first 15,000 fans prior to the Saturday, Aug. 22 game against the Rays.

In one month, Orioles president of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias will greet the media on the first day of spring training in Sarasota and recite the list of injuries and other health updates that he’s asked to provide. There’s usually a surprise or two, like Trevor Rogers’ right knee subluxation last February. Infielder Jorge Mateo wasn’t expected to be ready for Opening Day while recovering from elbow-reconstructive surgery. Optimism ran much higher with closer Félix Bautista, though his build-up would come at a slower pace.

Mateo and Bautista convinced the Orioles that they didn’t need to go on the injured list. Mateo was more of a last-minute call.

The unexpected absences really hurt. Gunnar Henderson strained his right intercostal. Andrew Kittredge had a left knee debridement. Grayson Rodriguez lost velocity, experienced discomfort in his elbow, triceps and lat, and didn’t pitch. Chayce McDermott couldn’t compete in camp due to a right lat strain. And the sky kept falling.

The Orioles didn’t make it out of Toronto without losing reliever Albert Suárez to right shoulder inflammation and outfielder Colton Cowser to a fractured left thumb. A tone was set and it shattered eardrums.

Henderson returned on April 4 and Zach Eflin was sidelined five days later with a right lat strain. That’s how it worked in 2025. Gain one and lose one. Gain one and lose two.

Gunnar Henderson won’t need to worry about innings and at-bats with the Orioles this season. He’s the everyday shortstop as long as he’s healthy.

He also won’t have any concerns about his role with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, though regular duty isn’t as readily available.

Bobby Witt Jr. also is on the roster, but manager Mark DeRosa said at the Winter Meetings that Henderson is “gonna play.”

“We did it the last time,” DeRosa said. “We had Trea (Turner), we had Tim Anderson, we had Jeff McNeil. You’ve got Brice Turang at second. I know Gunnar won’t go over to second base, but there’s a way to make all these guys happy.”

Appearing as a call-in guest Thursday on the “Orioles Hot Stove Show” on WBAL Radio, Henderson said he was told that he’d play a game at short, a game at third, maybe serve as the designated hitter.

We've moved past the deadline for teams to sign their arbitration-eligible players before exchanging salary figures and risk a hearing. The next important offseason date is next Thursday with the opening of the international signing period.

In between could be the acquisition of another starting pitcher, reliever or position player. Or absolutely nothing.

Something happened yesterday but it might not impact the 2026 season. Outfielder Will Robertson cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, and the Braves claimed reliever George Soriano.

The Orioles took a depth hit with the bullpen but deepened their outfield options.

Let’s do another dozen-question mailbag dump.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• RHP George Soriano claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• OF Will Robertson cleared outright waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.