Don't Expect Baltimore Orioles to Spend This Offseason Despite Speculation

Despite some MLB reporters thinking the Baltimore Orioles will spend money this offseason, that doesn't seem to be the case according to those who cover the team.

There was some thought that the Baltimore Orioles might actually open up their checkbooks this offseason to go out and add some high-profile players to their roster full of young talent.

This would make the Orioles true contenders amongst an American League full of talented teams who are set to be major players in free agency this year.

With some elite starters on the open market, Baltimore could have really bolstered their rotation after it proved to be one of their weak points during the 2023 playoffs.

However, don't expect the Orioles to become spenders this offseason despite them being linked to some of the most expensive players in free agency.

Beat reporters of The Baltimore Sun, Nathan Ruiz and Jacob Calvin Meyer, plus editor Tim Schwartz, were asked some questions about the team they cover prior to the Winter Meetings starting Dec. 3.

Among those was a question about spending.

"It’s difficult to imagine Angelos ever spending big money. I’ll be surprised the day their payroll exceeds $100 million — assuming that ever happens. So, no," Schwartz answered.

That seems to be the standard response from those close to the team.

Meyer was even more emphatic in his response simply answering, "No."

Ruiz shed a little bit more light on the situation with his answer, as he gave details about why Baltimore is unlikely to spend money, and if they do, it probably won't be for external players.

"One would think they have plenty of financial flexibility, the likes of which could allow them to target top free agents. But Orioles CEO and Chairman John Angelos also told The New York Times the organization would be 'financially underwater' if it gave out too many nine-figure contracts," he wrote. "If they do decide to spend big, they might be better served doing so internally."

All in all, this probably comes as no surprise for those who follow the Orioles. It was honestly more surprising that they were being connected to some of the more expensive players on the market.

Now, this doesn't mean that Baltimore can't shock everyone and aggressively spend for someone, however, it's just likely that this offseason will be no different from past ones under general manager Mike Elias.