One big question the Orioles need to answer at the 2024 Winter Meetings

MLB's Winter Meetings are quickly approaching, which will hopefully kick start the hot stove and get things moving forward in regard to the top free agents left on the board. There have been loads of rumors about Juan Soto's eventual destination, and where Corbin Burnes and Max Fried could end up, but there's still so much left to be resolved this winter and it feels like we haven't even really gotten started.

At least, it feels that way from an Orioles fan's perspective. There are two glaring holes in the roster as we prepare to head into 2025. The rotation is still missing an ace, with Burnes' future destination still up in the air, and they need a big right handed bat to fill Anthony Santander's spot.

Burnes has been connected to many teams, Baltimore included, but there doesn't seem to be a leader as of this morning. The Orioles' rotation is in a good spot with Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez but they'll be missing a top-tier starter in the mold of Burnes if they fail to sign or trade for someone in the next few months.

In addition to Burnes' spot, there will be a major hole in the lineup if the O's can't find a way to replace Santander. The switch hitter provided a ton of power from the right side of the plate, of which the O's will be sorely lacking without him.

Will the Orioles back up their big offseason talk with action?

The biggest question the Orioles will have to answer this offseason is whether they're ready to back up their words with actions. They've talked a big talk, with owner David Rubenstein committing to raising the budget and payroll, and Mike Elias working hard to help the fanbase believe that the O's will look to add at least one top free agent this winter.

The issue is that the Orioles, particularly under Elias, have never even considered spending at the top of the market. Part of that is due to former owner John Angelos cheaping out at every possible instance, but Elias has unique methods that trace back to his time in St. Louis and Houston that have carried over to his current tenure in Baltimore. Build from within, trade for upgrades, and rarely buy top free agents.

It's worked thus far for the Orioles, who are coming off back to back strong seasons and are expected to once again compete for an AL East title and hope to have a deep playoff run in 2025. The Orioles have at least two visible holes in the roster, and while it's possible there are trade scenarios out there that could help the O's patch those holes, it's sometimes easier to just fix those types of problems with money. There's no prospect cost when buying free agents.

Analysts like Jeff Passan have said the Orioles will almost certainly shop at the top of the market, and many have said that the offseason will be a failure if the O's don't get one of the top guys. The latter part is a bit of an overstatement, but the point is well taken.

For the first time in a long time, the Orioles seem to have the financial resources to compete with some of the league's biggest clubs in the free agent market. Will Elias and his front office go outside of their comfort zone and plant a flag by getting one of the guys they like? Or will they sulk back into the shadows and try to do things the hard way? That's the real pressing question this winter, and it'll be extremely interesting to see how it plays out.