Orioles News: Swanson/Turner breakdowns, Santander at 1B, and more

Good morning, Birdland! As front offices return to work after the Thanksgiving holiday, all of the free agent dominoes remain standing and we’re still waiting on the Baltimore Orioles to make their first major transaction of the off-season. Until then, let’s do what every sports fan loves to do: speculate!

Orioles News 11/27/22 – Trea Turner & Dansby Swanson analysis plus more

Is Dansby Swanson the shortstop the Orioles need?

You really can’t go wrong with any of the four marquee free agent shortstops but given the Orioles presumed interest in signing one, hair splitting is necessary in order to find the absolute best fit. First up is former first overall draft pick and 2021 World Series champion Dansby Swanson. Could his combination of bat, glove, and potentially lower cost make him the best option for the Orioles? We break him down here.

Or is it Trea Turner?

Would it make more sense for the O’s to back the money truck up for Turner instead of Swanson, Carlos Correa, or Xander Bogaerts? There is absolutely an argument to be made in his favor, and Contributor Daniel Cereghin examines Turner’s immense talent right here.

Could Santander pick it at first base?

The Orioles currently have just one first baseman on their roster that’s projected to make the 2023 team: starter Ryan Mountcastle. Who is going to serve as his backup? Contributor Michael Najarian argues that Great Britain’s favorite Oriole Anthony Santander could be an option at first base for the ballclub when Mountcastle needs a rest. Do you agree with Santander being used in a backup role? Should the O’s look outside the organization to fill that need?

Send your mailbag questions!

Curious about anything Orioles-related? Want to appear in our next mailbag article? Be sure to send your questions, comments, and/or theories to me (@jjlinnjj) and @BirdsWatcherFS on Twitter or Birds Watcher on Facebook and your submission just might appear in the next mailbag.

We’ll see you back for Monday’s Orioles news update, enjoy your day!