The offseason only lasts about two weeks, but Orioles general manager Mike Elias has already been “very active” on the open market, even if it hasn’t resulted in any moves.

“We talked to a lot of people,” Elias said during a Zoom news conference Friday. “I think we have a clear idea of ​​the types of player profiles we are looking for. I think our new ownership group and David Rubenstein have allowed us to be able to be very organized and prepared. As soon as free agency opened during the general managers meetings, we were able to show people that we were very serious about bringing in players. There are many conversations happening right now.

The offseason usually starts slowly — there have only been a handful of rookies in the league — and picks up as the winter meetings approach, which begin Dec. 8. Last year, the Orioles reached agreement with closer Craig Kimbrel in meetingstheir one and only free agent signing.

This year, they are clear on their needs: a starting pitcher and an outfielder, preferably right-handed.

Corbin Burnes, who pitched to a 2.92 ERA during the 2024 season, is a free agent. If Baltimore doesn’t bring him back with a new contract, the rotation will be led by Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, who Elias said should be healthy for the start of spring training despite being out of season on the roster injured with right lat/teres discomfort. The Orioles also have Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, Cade Povich, Chayce McDermott and Trevor Rogers.

As this year has shown, there is never enough depth. The Orioles lost three pitchers to season-ending surgeries and many others, including Rodriguez, Eflin and Kremer, for shorter periods.

Burnes is one of the best free agents available, and the Orioles made him a one-year qualifying offer worth $21.05 million. He would have to turn down this offer to win a contract worth over $200 million. It’s unclear whether Baltimore, even under new ownership, is willing to pay that.

Roki Sasaki, the best pitcher in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, will be assigned to the Chiba Lotte Marines. He’s attractive not only because of his stats, including a career ERA of 2.02, but also because his new team will keep him under control for six years of service. But since he is less than 25 years old, he will be subject to financial restrictions relating to international bonus pools. The Orioles have $6.9 million for 2025, according to Baseball America.

When asked if the Orioles had checked out Sasaki, Elias said he couldn’t discuss individual players.

“We like talented young pitchers; it’s always something interesting for any team,” Elias said.

The outfield is another place where the Orioles will look for help. Anthony Santander, who has the third-most home runs in MLB, is a free agent. The Orioles also made him a qualifying offer, and he has until Tuesday to accept or decline it.

Juan Soto, the best available outfielder, has reportedly had discussions with the Mets, Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays. He may not be in the Orioles’ budget, but Teoscar Hernández or Jurickson Profar could fill the need.

Injury Updates

The Orioles are waiting for Rodriguez and Félix Bautista (Tommy John Surgery) to be ready for spring training. Jorge Mateo (Tommy John Surgery) and Colton Cowser (broken hand) are also in good shape to start the season on time, Elias said.

For Bautista, who missed the 2024 season after a breakout 2023, the Orioles plan to give him some breathing room upon his return to action. They do not want to give him the closer role yet and will call on Seranthony Domínguez and Yennier Cano, in addition to looking on the open market to fill that spot if Bautista has to be reinstated.

“We are realistic that he just had surgery. We don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” Elias said. “We’re going to want to treat it with a little more care.”

Tyler Wells And Kyle Bradishwho underwent season-ending elbow surgery in June, is on track to return midseason, although Elias wasn’t ready to put a timetable on them.