Orioles News: Tendered contracts, Cionel Perez, and other MLB News

Welcome to today’s Orioles news recap! It was a busy Friday around baseball as all 30 teams were tasked to decide which arbitration-eligible players would be tendered contracts or released before the 8:00 PM EST deadline.

Orioles: to tender or not to tender?

The Orioles had six arbitration-eligible players awaiting their fate Friday afternoon, though guys like Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander could rest easy knowing an offer was a formality. Others, such as Austin Hays and waiver claim hero Austin Voth, couldn’t be so sure.

Orioles News 11/19/22 – O’s tender contracts, Cionel Perez report card, and more

Ultimately, the O’s decided to retain all six players whom MLB Trade Rumors projects to receive a collective $20.3 million when salary arbitration is all said and done, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hays or Voth traded as the 2023 roster takes shape.

Cionel Perez to the Dean’s office, please

Birds Watcher’s 2022 report card series rolls on with the newest edition featuring flamethrowing lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Perez was a stalwart of an Orioles bullpen that far exceeded expectations and evolved into a late inning, high leverage option after Jorge López was traded to the Minnesota Twins. I’m no teacher, but some extra credit may be in order for his efforts.

Cody Bellinger non-tendered, Angels acquire Urshela from Twins

In a move that would have been considered incomprehensible three years ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers declined to tender a contract to OF/1B Cody Bellinger. The 2019 NL MVP has followed that 7.7 WAR season up with three mystifying, struggle-filled seasons wherein he’s failed to accumulate even one third of the Wins Above Replacement he amassed in his MVP season. Bellinger’s free agency will be an interesting storyline to follow – could teams who lose out on the Brandon Nimmo sweepstakes look to Bellinger as a cost-effective lottery ticket?

Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Angels acquired 3B Gio Urshela from the Minnesota Twins for a minor league pitching prospect, yet again raising questions regarding what exactly it is the Angels are doing. Urshela is a slightly above average Major League hitter and a capable-but-not-spectacular defensive third baseman, perhaps best suited as a complimentary piece for a contender. Not only are the Angels not projected to be contenders, but they’re reportedly considering sticking Urshela at shortstop. Angels gonna Angel.