FAQ: What to know about Orioles' offseason

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BALTIMORE -- The Orioles have won 192 games over the past two seasons. However, their postseason record during that span is 0-5, having been swept out of October by both the Rangers (the 2023 American League Division Series) and the Royals (‘24 AL Wild Card Series).

General manager Mike Elias’ job is to put Baltimore in a position to avoid another early playoff exit in 2025. He and the O’s front office will be spending the winter attempting to do that.

Here’s a primer for the upcoming offseason, which has the potential to be busy for the Orioles.

Which players are set to become free agents?

RHP Corbin Burnes, LHP John Means, C James McCann, OF Anthony Santander and OF Austin Slater.

Are any of them likely to receive qualifying offers, and what is the deadline for that?

Burnes and Santander are each likely to receive a qualifying offer, which is a one-year contract valued at $21.05 million this offseason. However, both will certainly reject it, considering they’re set to land big paydays in the form of multi-year deals in free agency.

By extending qualifying offers, the Orioles would ensure they’ll be getting Draft-pick compensation should Burnes and/or Santander sign elsewhere.

Qualifying offers must be extended by 5 p.m. ET on the fifth day after the conclusion of the World Series (Monday, Nov. 4). Players who receive them have until Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. ET to decide whether to accept or reject.

Which players have options, what’s the dollar figure and impact on payroll and when does it need to be decided upon?

Baltimore has 2025 club options for five players -- designated hitter Eloy Jiménez ($16.5 million), right-hander Seranthony Domínguez ($8 million), first baseman/DH Ryan O’Hearn ($8 million) and left-handers Danny Coulombe ($4 million) and Cionel Pérez ($2.2 million).

The option deadline is also five days following the conclusion of the World Series.

Jiménez won’t have his costly option picked up, but Coulombe and Pérez are likely to have theirs extended at affordable prices. Domínguez and O’Hearn were both valuable players in 2025, though the O’s must decide whether they’re willing to pay either (or both) $8 million.

Who might be a non-tender candidate, and when does the club have to make that decision?

The Orioles have 15 arbitration-eligible players. However, that number could drop to 14 if Pérez’s club option is extended. The deadline to tender contracts to arb-eligible players is Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET.

The most likely non-tender candidate is righty relievers Matt Bowman, who experienced some struggles late in 2024. Jorge Mateo, Emmanuel Rivera and Ramón Urías are all arbitration eligible, so the infield mix could be crowded if all three are tendered contracts.

Who needs to be added to the 40-man roster this winter to avoid the Rule 5 Draft?

Three of Baltimore’s Top 30 prospects must be protected to avoid inclusion in the Rule 5 Draft: right-handers Juan Nuñez (No. 8), Brandon Young (No. 19) and Alex Pham (No. 25). Other notable players under consideration could include righties Justin Armbruester and Carter Baumler, catcher Maverick Handley, first baseman TT Bowens and outfielders Hudson Haskin, John Rhodes and Reed Trimble.

The deadline for players to be added to the 40-man roster and protected from the Rule 5 Draft is Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. ET.

What kind of help do the Orioles need, and will they be active in free agency? Who might they target?

In their first offseason under the David Rubenstein-led ownership group, the O’s could be more willing to spend big. They’ll need to do so if they hope to bring back Burnes and/or Santander, or to find suitable replacements. Baltimore would also benefit from adding a veteran bat or two to its mostly young lineup.

If Burnes doesn’t return, then left-handers Max Fried and Blake Snell could be aces to target. Nathan Eovaldi, Yusei Kikuchi and Sean Manaea will be among the other top starting pitchers on the market.

If Santander leaves and the O’s need a right-handed-hitting outfielder -- Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad and Cedric Mullins are all lefties -- then Teoscar Hernández could be a top target. Tyler O’Neill and Jurickson Profar will also be free agents.

Who might they be willing to trade?

First baseman Ryan Mountcastle was featured in trade rumors leading up to the 2024 Trade Deadline, and that may be the case for the 27-year-old again this winter. He could be a valuable trade chip if Baltimore feels confident in O’Hearn and/or prospect Coby Mayo handling duties at first in 2025.

Urías could also have trade value, and moving him would clear some space in the Orioles’ crowded infield mix.