Orioles GM 'very active' in free-agent discussions

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias has been busy navigating the free-agent market in the early stages of the offseason.

"I’ve been very active. I’ll leave it at that," Elias said Friday, according to Rich Dubroff of Baltimore Baseball. "I’ve been talking to a lot of people. I think we have a clear idea of the types of player profiles that we’re seeking."

Elias expects new owner David Rubenstein to be aggressive in adding payroll in an effort to make the franchise an attractive destination.

"(Ownership) has allowed us to be in a position to be very organized and prepared," Elias said. "As soon as free agency opened during the GM meetings, we’ve been in a position to show people that we’re very serious about bringing players in, and a lot of conversations (are) ongoing right now."

Ace right-hander Corbin Burnes is one of the premier starting pitchers available. He spent the 2024 campaign in Baltimore after the Orioles acquired him in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

"We are looking at the whole menu, the whole spectrum," Elias said of the club's involvement in the free-agent pitching market, according to Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun.

The Orioles were 22nd in payroll in 2024 at $109.8 million.