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.

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.

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.

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.

The Orioles today announced the return of the club’s “Birdland Caravan,” a winter tour that will take place from Thursday, January 22, through Saturday, January 24, at multiple locations throughout the region. The celebration will include happy hours, bowling, pop-up photo opportunities at surprise locations, mascot meet and greets, and an opportunity to hear from some of the newest members of the organization. Fresh for 2026, fans can attend mall festivals with stage shows and activities, family bingo, and a breakfast event. 

Current Orioles players participating in select events include PETE ALONSO, SAMUEL BASALLO, DYLAN BEAVERS, DIETRICH ENNS, RYAN HELSLEY, GUNNAR HENDERSON, JACKSON HOLLIDAY, JEREMIAH JACKSON, TREVOR ROGERS, ADLEY RUTSCHMAN, TYLER WELLS, JORDAN WESTBURG, and GRANT WOLFRAM, along with Orioles Manager CRAIG ALBERNAZ.

Designed to take the Oriole Park experience directly to the fans, Birdland Caravan will make stops throughout Maryland including Baltimore, Bethesda, Ellicott City, Halethorpe, Linthicum Heights, Sykesville, White Marsh, and a mystery Pop-Up Photo Op location in Prince George’s County. Fans in Bel Air and Frederick will also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Orioles Alumni including BRAD BRACH, the Oriole Bird, and Mr. Splash. 

Tickets are required for several key events, including the “Meet the New O's” event, breakfast with the O’s, family bingo, bowling, and all happy hours. All profits from 2026 Birdland Caravan events will benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation, supporting impactful community initiatives and programs. Fans must purchase tickets in advance as availability will be limited. Tickets are now on sale and available at Orioles.com/Caravan.  

To kick the weekend off, fans are invited to the Senator Theatre in Baltimore City for a “Meet the New O’s” Q&A event with Albernaz and Alonso as they get their first large welcome from the best fans in baseball. Tickets are required and can be purchased at Orioles.com/Caravan.

The Orioles are inviting fans to the Senator Theatre in Baltimore for a “Meet the New O’s” Q&A session with manager Craig Albernaz and first baseman Pete Alonso, which highlights this year’s Birdland Caravan event.

The caravan runs from Thursday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 24 and makes stops in multiple locations throughout the region.

Current Orioles players participating in select events also include (alphabetically) Samuel Basallo, Dylan Beavers, Dietrich Enns, Ryan Helsley, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Jeremiah Jackson, Trevor Rogers, Adley Rutschman, Tyler Wells, Jordan Westburg and Grant Wolfram.

Locations include Baltimore, Bethesda, Ellicott City, Halethorpe, Linthicum Heights, Sykesville, White Marsh and a mystery Pop-Up Photo Op location in Prince George’s County. The Orioles say fans in Bel Air and Frederick also have the chance to meet and take photos with alumni that include former reliever Brad Brach, along with the Oriole Bird and Mr. Splash.

Tickets must be purchased for several events, including the “Meet the New O's,” breakfast with the O’s, family bingo, bowling and all happy hours. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets in advance at Orioles.com/Caravan due to limited availability.

Even the most exciting names claimed on the waiver wire are still just that: waiver wire additions. Their stays on a 40-man roster are far from guaranteed. 

Jhonkensy Noel, designated for assignment just two days after he was claimed off of waivers from the Cleveland Guardians, is the latest example. Big Christmas, a corner outfielder with experience at first base, struggled mightily to tap into his power potential in 2025 after bursting onto the season the previous year. Plus, in Baltimore, a laundry list of names at his primary positions sat ahead of him for playing time. As such, he’s free to be claimed by another team once again. 

Taking Noel’s spot on the roster, ironically, is another big-name waiver claim: Marco Luciano.

That name may ring a quieter bell, as Luciano hasn’t found the same kind of big league success as Noel. But the former international signing was once considered to be one of the best prospects in the game, ranked as high as the No. 13 in baseball entering the 2022 season, according to MLB Pipeline. 

Could this big-name waiver claim fare better than his predecessor? 

Gunnar Henderson has a new $8.5 million contract, the largest salary for an Orioles player in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Now, he’d like a fresh start.

Henderson strained his right intercostal muscle on Feb. 27 after making a leaping backhand catch of Bo Bichette’s line drive in the first inning. He grounded out in his only at-bat and came out of the game in the top of the second.

Henderson was held back in camp in 2024 due to soreness in his left oblique, but he had no issues making the Opening Day roster, appeared in 159 games, was selected to the All-Star team and finished fourth in the American League’s Most Valuable Player voting. However, he didn’t appear in his first game last season until April 4 and experienced a decline in most of his numbers.

Among the biggest drop-offs were his home runs, from 37 to 17, and in RBIs, from 92 to 68. His slugging percentage fell from .529 to .438 and OPS from .893 to .787.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed OF Marco Luciano off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Designated OF Jhonkensy Noel for assignment.
• LHP Josh Walker cleared outright waivers and has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

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