Orioles news: Free agent targets come flying off the board

For anyone who works overnights, or for any insomniacs out there, Sunday night into Monday morning was a heck of a time to be a baseball fan. There were multiple free agent signings, and even a significant trade that took place while the rest of us were asleep.

Unfortunately for the Orioles, a number of potential rotation options have now come off the board. First, it was the Mets reuniting and coming to terms with lefty Sean Manaea. The Mets always made the most sense for Manaea this winter, as he'd been extended and declined a qualifying offer last month.

Mike Elias has seemingly gone back and forth about whether the Orioles would be willing to sacrifice draft pick compensation to sign a free agent, so that might have been a road block in this instance. Then add on the fact that Manaea got 3 years and $75 million, and it's no real surprise that the Orioles weren't serious bidders.

The market for starting pitchers this winter is sky high, and at present it looks like the O's might be feeling a bit out of their comfort zone with some of the available options. Getting Manaea is one thing, but getting him for 3 years at $25 million per is something most people weren't expecting.

Orioles sit quietly while the mid-tier of free agency resolves itself

Staying on the pitching side, former Dodgers' star Walker Buehler has signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Red Sox. Buehler was a curious target this winter. He struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery this past summer, pitching to a 5.38 ERA in 75.1 innings. However, he put up strong numbers in the postseason and helped the Dodgers win a World Series title, making his contract a bit inflated.

It's a solid idea from the Sox perspective, who get the upside Buehler has to offer without any long-term risk. If he's able to return to his previous levels of production, he'll be a nightmare for the Orioles to face in 2025.

Meanwhile, Dave Dombrowki and the Phillies lined up a trade with the Marlins to acquire lefty Jesus Luzardo. The former Marlin has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining, though he did struggle to a 5.00 ERA with the lowest strikeout rate of his career in 2024.

Luzardo did spend over 3 months on the IL with a lumbar stress reaction in his back. Assuming he's able to move past the injury, he should help the Phillies, who will be looking to capture their second straight NL East division title next summer. If he still has lingering issues from the back injury, it'll be rough going for him in Philly.

Joc Pederson wasn't a great fit for the Orioles, who are inundated with left-handed bats already. But he signed a two-year, $37 million deal with the Rangers overnight that removes him from the conversation. It's a lot of money for a platoon player, but he's very good at what he does so it's not a terrible move for the Rangers, who'll be battling in a weak AL West.

Pederson isn't the only free agent hitter going to the AL West, though. First baseman Christian Walker signed a deal with the Astros for three years and $60 million. While the Orioles do still have Ryan Mountcastle around, Walker seemed like a strong potential addition and had been talked about as an option in many O's fan circles. Unfortunately, Walker won't be reuniting with Baltimore any time soon.