Juan Soto is about to sign a historic free-agent contract, and he definitely deserves it. At just 26, he’s already one of the top hitters in baseball history. As he enters his prime, everyone is watching to see where he’ll land.
Surprisingly, the Baltimore Orioles haven’t shown much interest in Soto despite being one of the best teams recently. With 192 wins over two seasons, they lead the American League but have struggled in the postseason. Maybe they’re keeping their plans secret or maybe they just don’t see Soto as part of their future.
The Blue Jays, Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, and Yankees are all in on Soto’s free agency race. So why aren’t the Orioles more involved? Could it be that Soto simply doesn’t want to play for them due to some unknown reason? If that’s true and we just haven’t heard about it yet, then perhaps Baltimore did try their best.
Why Not Baltimore?
Reports suggest that Baltimore hasn’t been very active in pursuing Soto even though he’d be a perfect fit for them. He’s only 26! He celebrated his birthday during Game 1 of the World Series and is younger than Adley Rutschman by nine months. Adding him would align perfectly with their young core like Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday.
Fans might wonder why such a talented player isn’t being chased by every team with open arms.
Orioles’ Offensive Needs
In 2024, the Orioles’ offense stumbled toward season’s end. They averaged fewer runs per game compared to earlier in the year and were swept by Kansas City Royals during Wild Card Series scoring only once across two games! Anthony Santander was a key player with 44 home runs but now he’s a free agent too—Soto could easily fill his spot as an upgrade!
Financial Flexibility
Baltimore has room financially—they’ve got only five players signed for 2025 totaling $37 million salaries; Zach Eflin tops at $18 million while others make less than $8 million each! Arbitration-eligible players will increase payroll soon but still plenty left over allowing them flexibility signing both stars like Henderson & Rutschman alongside someone like Soto!
GM Mike Elias seeks high-end pitching which makes sense given current rotation includes Eflin & Rodriguez among others—but finding pitchers isn’t hard whereas landing someone like Juan happens rarely indeed!
With new ownership led by David Rubenstein after buying from Angelos family earlier this year hopes rose around increased spending potential—yet here we are wondering if they’ll seize opportunity before slipping away altogether…
Signing superstar hitter aged mid-twenties offers safer investment versus older pitcher nearing thirties; wouldn’t you agree?
As time ticks down towards decision day without much involvement from O’s side despite obvious benefits adding such talent brings long-term success dreams closer reality—it leaves us asking: If not now when? And if not him then who else fits better plan moving forward together stronger than ever before?
