Reports over the weekend that the Orioles werent keen on giving up a compensatory draft pick in order to sign a pitcher who , which would seemingly rule out , , and from the teams list of po sible targets. Speaking with and other reporters today at the Winter Meetings, Orioles GM Mike Elias denied that the qualifying offer was an obstacle in clubs quest to add pitching. Were in on everybody.When theres aspects of the rules that create wrinkles, youve got to weigh them, so we do that , Elias said. But there is no player that were not interested in or pursuing in some shape or fashion if we feel like the talent is additive to the current roster that we have . Signing a qualified free agent would require the Orioles to give up their third-highest pick in the 2025 draft as compensation. Since the Os would stand to gain two compensatory picks after the first round of the draft if and (Baltimores own qualified free agents) signed with another team for more than $50MM, the Orioles third-highest pick would therefore fall within the 30-40 range of the 2025 draft order. Losing such a high selection is no small matter, considering how highly teams prize draft picks. Fans might grumble that the Orioles prospect depth should mean that they should be more open to moving draft capital if it means landing more proven big leaguers, yet it should be noted that Baltimore already gave up a pick to land proven talent last offseason the Orioles included their Competitive Balance Round-A selection (34th overall) as part of that brought Burnes to Baltimore from Milwaukee. Elias comments today lined up with Willie Montanez Jersey his about the Orioles were exploring the whole spectrum of pitching targets. This means both ace-level pitchers and mid-rotation help, and Elias didnt rule out the po sibility that Baltimore could add two pitchers to its pre-existing rotation base of , , , , , , and . In terms of gaining an ace, Burnes could depart in free agency, leaving a particularly big hole atop the rotation. Elias acknowledged the difficulty in acquiring such pitchers, whether via free agency or (as the Os did in landing Burnes) in trades. While Baltimores deep farm system ostensibly gives the club a leg up in trade talks, there arent too many teams making their major league players available for prospects right now , Elias said. Those that are, were deeply engaged with those teams. Those that arent in that mode, were exploring more major league-for-major league kind of trades, which obviously take unique fits on the rosters . Beyond just the rotation, the Os are looking to bolster the relief corps as well. The Orioles decision to non-tender and decline s $4MM club option seemingly ran counter to this desire for bullpen depth, but Elias said the team was open to bringing either pitcher back. Youre not able to keep every player that you like at all times at any cost, and so we have to do a balancing act when were curating our roster , Elias said. Sometimes that involves making tough decisions much earlier in the offseason than youd like to when you dont have a full picture of whats going to happen and you dont have a crystal ball and you have to make some decisions early in the offseason. But it doesnt close the door . Thomas Szapucki Jersey
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