Orioles GM 'pretty confident' payroll will increase next season
With the Baltimore Orioles ousted from the playoffs, the organization has its sights set on a productive offseason - and it looks like they'll have room to spend.
Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias said he felt "pretty confident" payroll will increase heading into next season, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko.
#Orioles GM Mike Elias just met with the media for close to 36 minutes and expressed disappointment in having this same type of press conference 2 years in a row. He said he’ll work tirelessly to put team in a better spot for 2025.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) October 3, 2024
Called the playoff exit raw and fresh.
Baltimore ended the 2024 campaign with close to $110 million in payroll.
Two of its top players from this past season - Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander - are free agents. The team also has several decisions to make in terms of club options for Eloy Jiménez, Seranthony Domínguez, and Ryan O'Hearn.
The upcoming free-agent class is headlined by stars like Burnes and Santander, as well as Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Max Fried.
Elias also confirmed manager Brandon Hyde - who hasn't won a playoff game since taking over as skipper - will return in 2025, according to Kubatko.
The rest of the Orioles' coaching staff will be evaluated before next season, Elias said, according to The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka.