Outbidding other teams to sign first baseman Pete Alonso would have qualified as wishful thinking back in the day.

On this day, it remains a reality for the Orioles. They did it.

Shoppers are forming lines to return holiday gifts. Not every wish is granted. But the Orioles don’t want any refunds. They’re thrilled to go into the New Year with Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz and Andrew Kittredge.

They also have center fielder Leody Taveras on a $2 million contract. He was the offseason’s first significant signing for the Orioles, with the deal finalized on Nov. 5.

Taveras is penciled into the outfield with Ward, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Beavers. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias isn’t done checking the market, especially center fielders, which would enlarge the crowd and raise questions about Taveras.

The Orioles began yesterday with a full 40-man roster and finished it with a full 40-man roster.

Many of the names changed.

Pitchers Félix Bautista, Grayson Rodriguez and Brandon Young were reinstated from the 60-day injured list. Pitcher Anthony Nunez had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk to protect him in the Rule 5 draft, ahead of the deadline to do so. Cuban outfielder Pedro León was claimed on waivers from the Astros. Outfielder Leody Taveras signed a $2 million contract.

Outfielder Dylan Carlson elected free agency. The Orioles declined infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo’s $5.5 million option. Pitchers Josh Walker and Carson Ragsdale were designated for assignment. Pitcher Shawn Dubin was outrighted to Norfolk and became a free agent. The Mets claimed left-hander José Castillo on waivers.

Six added and six subtracted.

The Orioles aren’t focused only on their bullpen as the offseason has moved into a new month.

Outfield depth also must be addressed.

The team reached agreement last night with veteran Leody Taveras on a one-year contract pending the results of a physical. The deal pays $2 million, according to Spotrac.

Taveras, 27, is a switch-hitter who made $4.750 million this year while batting .205/.226/.304 in a combined 58 games between the Rangers and Mariners. Seattle selected him on waivers May 6 and designated him for assignment a month later. He became a free agent in October.

Taveras made his major league debut with the Rangers in 2020 and batted .240/.291/.370 in parts of six seasons. He appeared in 151 games in 2024 and stole 23 bases in 29 attempts. He hit a career-high 14 home runs with 67 RBIs in 143 games in 2023.