The Orioles still haven’t announced their coaching staff for the 2024 season, though executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias confirmed at the Winter Meetings the hiring of Drew French as pitching coach. One of the two vacancies filled.

An assistant pitching coach is expected to be named as Darren Holmes’ replacement.

Bench coach Fredi González has received positive feedback on French, who spent the last three years as Atlanta’s bullpen coach.

González said he’s talked to Braves manager Brian Snitker a couple times, “and he raved about him.”

“I’m looking forward to spending the summer with him,” González said this week.

NASHVILLE – Reliever Craig Kimbrel has passed his physical and signed a contract with the Orioles for the 2024 season that also includes an option for 2025.

Multiple reports had the deal done, and an industry source confirmed it to MASNsports.com.

The New York Post reported that Kimbrel will receive $12 million next season and has a $1 million buyout in 2025 on a $13 million club option. The deal guarantees $13 million and will be the largest from the Orioles since Mike Elias became the club's executive vice president/general manager, overtaking the $10 million deal Kyle Gibson got last winter.

A late-inning reliever was a top priority for Elias, with closer Félix Bautista out next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October.

Kimbrel, who turns 36 in May, ranks eighth on the all-time saves list with 417 over his 14 seasons. The nine-time All-Star posted a 3.26 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, and .611 OPS against this year with the Phillies, registered 23 saves and averaged 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.