Orioles' 2025 bullpen beginning to assemble

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BALTIMORE -- The structure of the Orioles' 2025 bullpen started to take shape last week.

Nine days ago, Baltimore exercised right-hander Seranthony Domínguez's $8 million team option and declined left-hander Danny Coulombe's $4 million team option. One high-leverage reliever is set to return, while another hit the free-agent market.

It's possible that Coulombe could re-sign with the O's. However, the 35-year-old southpaw is sure to have other suitors after recording a 2.56 ERA in 94 outings over two years in Baltimore.

It's also possible the Orioles will pursue other pitchers to bolster their relief corps. General manager Mike Elias isn't going to be complacent, as he understands how important pitching depth is over the course of a 162-game season.

“We'll see what the winter brings,” Elias said of potential bullpen additions during last week's GM Meetings in San Antonio. “But if you start sitting here early in November and looking at that group, I think it's a good start.”

Here's exactly where Baltimore is starting from in terms of probable 'pen roles for 2025.

The closer: Félix Bautista

The Orioles' biggest addition to their roster may not be a free-agent signing or trade acquisition. It could be Bautista, who is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023.

The 29-year-old right-hander was an All-Star closer in 2023, when he recorded a 1.48 ERA and 33 saves in 56 appearances. Bautista owns a1.85 ERA in 121 big league outings over two seasons, both with Baltimore.

But Elias understands it could take a bit of time before Bautista returns to that elite form.

“I think we've got to give Félix kind of the benefit of understanding he's coming back from a surgery and not putting too much on his shoulders, despite the huge talent that he is,” Elias said. “Just understanding that we can't just act like it should be 2023 from minute one -- maybe it will be, I hope so -- but he deserves some time to come back and get healthy.”

The primary setup men: Seranthony Domínguez and Yennier Cano

As Craig Kimbrel's struggles continued into the second half this past season, Domínguez took over the closer's job shortly after coming over from the Phillies in a July 26 trade. The 29-year-old righty had a 3.97 ERA in 25 games and went 10-for-11 in save opportunities.

Now, Domínguez will return to a setup role alongside righty Yennier Cano, a 2023 All-Star who has a 2.58 ERA in 142 appearances over the past two seasons for the Orioles. They should serve as a formidable duo to help protect leads before the ball is given to Bautista.

“I thought [Domínguez] was great and a hard thrower that showed he could handle the late innings in a playoff chase. Cano continues to be a mainstay piece,” Elias said. “I think we're in a good place to start.”

The left-handers: Keegan Akin, Cionel Pérez and Gregory Soto

Even without Coulombe, Baltimore has three lefties who have proven they can pitch in high-leverage situations in the past.

Akin racked up a career-high 97 strikeouts while posting a 3.32 ERA in 66 games last season. Pérez (whose $2 million team option was exercised) has a 3.12 ERA over 193 outings in three seasons with the O's. And Soto -- who was acquired in a July 30 trade with the Phillies -- is a two-time All-Star who had a 1.10 ERA over his final 20 appearances of 2024.

The other 40-man options: Bryan Baker, Luis González, Colin Selby, Albert Suárez, Thaddeus Ward, Jacob Webb, Tyler Wells (injured)

If we're assuming the previous six relievers mentioned will all be in the Opening Day bullpen, then the two favorites from this group to join them are Webb and Suárez. Of course, Suárez proved he can also be a valuable starter in 2024, when he had a 3.70 ERA in 133 2/3 innings over 32 games (24 starts).

González could be an arm to watch closely in Spring Training. The 32-year-old was added to the 40-man roster last week after recording a 4.50 ERA in 44 outings for Triple-A Norfolk last season. The left-hander has never pitched in the Majors, but he's had success in the Dominican Republic, Japan and Mexico.

Wells will open the season on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from right UCL reconstruction surgery. But the 30-year-old righty could make an impact later in the season, whether that's as a starter or as a reliever.