Orioles’ Pitching Pursuit Pursuade Juan Soto

As the MLB offseason unfolds, rumors and speculations begin to heat up, signaling an exciting few weeks ahead. While the Sunday after Thanksgiving might seem slow, teams are laying the groundwork for what could be a busy period before the Winter Meetings. Let’s dive into the latest updates surrounding Juan Soto’s free agency and the Orioles’ search for starting pitching.

Juan Soto Free-Agent Sweepstakes

For much of the offseason, New York seemed like the clear destination for superstar Juan Soto, with both the Yankees and Mets in the mix. However, recent developments suggest the race is more competitive than anticipated, with the Mets and Boston Red Sox now emerging as the two frontrunners. The Yankees, though still heavily involved, are likely to cap their bid around $550 million, while the Mets and Red Sox could push their offers to $600 million.

The Red Sox, despite finishing last season at .500 with an 81-81 record, are eager to make a splash in the free-agent market. Soto, who had an outstanding season with a 7.9 WAR, hit .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs, is seen as the missing piece for a team looking to reenter playoff contention.

Alongside the Mets and Red Sox, the Yankees, Dodgers, and Blue Jays have also been heavily connected to Soto, who is expected to fetch one of the largest contracts in MLB history. With such intense competition for his services, the next few weeks should bring even more clarity on where the outfielder will land.

Orioles Pursue Starting Pitching

As for the Orioles, who made significant strides last season, their focus is on bolstering their starting rotation. Though one top pitcher, Blake Snell, has already signed with the Dodgers, the Orioles remain active in the market. The team’s interest in high-priced free-agent pitchers marks a shift in their strategy, showing a willingness to spend on top-tier talent.

One name still on the radar is Corbin Burnes. The 30-year-old former Cy Young winner (2021) remains a possibility for Baltimore. Burnes, who finished 2024 with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194 ⅓ innings, is a consistent ace. His postseason performance, where he allowed just one run in eight innings in his lone playoff start, further bolsters his appeal.

Another option is Nathan Eovaldi, who is 34 years old, is a more affordable alternative. Eovaldi, a two-time All-Star with strong postseason experience, posted a 3.80 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 170 ⅔ innings last season for the Texas Rangers. While not as dominant as Burnes, Eovaldi could still provide valuable depth to the Orioles’ rotation.

Orioles’ Strategy and Future Moves

The Orioles’ pursuit of high-end starting pitching is a sign of their evolving approach to team-building. After years of rebuilding, the club seems poised to take the next step and compete in the AL East. Their pursuit of Burnes or Eovaldi could signal the beginning of a new era for the Orioles as they look to strengthen their pitching staff and make a deeper postseason push in 2024.

With more rumors and moves expected in the coming weeks, MLB fans should stay tuned for more updates on these developments as the Winter Meetings approach.