The Orioles’ wish list for this offseason isn’t fully complete.
They headed into November looking for two starting pitchers, a left-handed power bat, a veteran reliever and a backup catcher.
With the calendar about to change to a new year, they have signed a starting pitcher (Kyle Gibson), a left-handed bat (Adam Frazier), and a veteran reliever (Mychal Givens) and traded for a backup catcher (James McCann) .
So, technically, they are still without another starting pitcher. They also found a bat — but not a power bat — in Frazier, although they did add potential sluggers Lewin Díaz (through waivers), Nomar Mazara (minor-league deal) and Franchy Cordero (minor-league deal) to potentially fill the club’s power void.
The Orioles may have gotten incrementally better, but certainly not enough to put them near the top of the always-competitive American League East.
And, if you hadn’t noticed, most top free agents are already off the board. But that doesn’t mean general manager Mike Elias can’t find another player or two in free agency to improve the 2023 Orioles. He and his staff specialize in under-the-radar contributors.
So, is there any available free agent who you still like? Anyone think the Orioles should spend a little extra money for?
Depending on the money, I’d take a shot at a Johnny Cueto or maybe a Michael Wacha. I would definitely try to land another veteran reliever or two on a minor-league deal or an incentive-laden big-league one. You can never have enough pitching.
And I guess I’m somewhat intrigued about whether Dominic Smith can rediscover his power stroke.
So, yeah, there are still players on the open market who intrigue me.
Frankly, if the Orioles are truly looking to upgrade for 2023, it will have to be through a trade. I thought that before the free agency period started and it’s even more apparent now. But we will get to the trade subject in an upcoming Connolly’s Tap Room. I promise.
So, let’s stick with free agency for now.
Also, one quick programming note: I’m taking some time off through the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. I’ll try to check on your responses during that time, but I won’t be getting to them as quickly as possible. I apologize in advance.
Have a great holiday season, everyone. Thanks, as always, for being the smartest and best-behaved commenters on the internet.
Tap-In Question: Are there any available free agents you’d like the Orioles to add? Who and why?
(Photo: Raymond Carlin III / USA Today)
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