Today was the final day for arbitration figures to be exchanged between MLB players and teams, and the Orioles started the offseason with 17 players eligible.
The Orioles began tendering contracts in November by signing infielder Jorge Mateo ($2.7 mil), left-hander Keegan Akin ($825K) and outfielders Ryan McKenna and Sam Hilliard ($800K each). That left 13 players remaining to reach an agreement before the January 11 deadline.
As of the deadline, relief pitchers Jacob Webb, Cionel Pérez and Danny Coulombe, along with outfielder Austin Hays and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn failed to reach agreements, setting up a possible hearing to settle the sides.
Let’s see which players did reach agreements and what it means for the team.
OF Anthony Santander – $11.7 million
Currently the longest tenured Oriole, Santander has established himself as a middle-of-the-order power hitter over the last two years by clubbing a combined 61 home runs.
With improved defense and an already strong bat, Santander is in the final year of his contract. The deal is below projected value and could possibly make Santander an easy trade piece before next season with Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser waiting in the wings.
OF Cedric Mullins – $6.235 million
After an injury-plagued year, Mullins agreed to a deal just over $6 million. With one more year of arbitration, Mullins could be playing for a potential long-term deal.
Defensively, he is one of the best in the game, playing a Gold Glove-caliber center field. Offensively, Mullins has shown signs of greatness, becoming the first 30/30 player in Orioles’ history, and his speed makes him a dangerous presence on the base paths.
INF Ryan Mountcastle – $4.137 million
Mountcastle battled through vertigo last season and returned as the hitter most have been waiting for. Getting a significant raise, Mounty has two more years of arbitration eligibility.
Defensively, he is one of the strongest and most underrated first basemen in baseball. Offensively, he has plus power and will strike out a lot, but his ability to hit the ball to all fields makes him a strong presence in the O’s lineup.
INF Ramón Urías – $2.1 million
In his first year of eligibility, Urías got a healthy raise for the 2024 season.
A former Gold Glover, Urías can play all infield positions, minus catcher. With some sneaky power and a strong glove, he has club control for two more years, which makes him a valuable trade piece with Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday and others ready to make an impact for the big league club this season.
RHP Tyler Wells – $1.9625 million
Wells entered his first year of arbitration, with three more years of club control to follow. He pitched to a 3.64 ERA last season and was the O’s best starter in the first half, as he led the AL with a 0.99 WHIP.
Unfortunately, arm fatigue shut Wells down for most of the second half before his return in a bullpen roll. Wells will try to win a rotation spot in 2024 but will be a valuable arm in either a starter or relief role.
RHP Dillon Tate – $1.5 million
In Tate’s second year of arbitration, he will make the exact same amount as last season.
A strong back-end arm in 2022, Tate missed all of last season with a forearm and flexor strain. He will look to bounce back to the reliable arm he was prior, adding a huge boost to a pen that will be without 2023 AL Releiver of the Year Félix Bautista for the entirety of the 2024 season.
LHP Cole Irvin – $2.0 million
Irvin entered his first year of arbitration after an up-and-down season for the Orioles, his first in orange and black. Pitching in and out of the rotation last season, Irvin became more valuable down the stretch, as he offers the club another left-handed option.
Out of minor league options, Irvin will be fighting for a roster spot and could also be included in a trade package. With both 12 starts and 12 appearances out of the bullpen, Irvin offers flexibility, which makes him a valuable depth piece.
LHP John Means – $3.325 million
Means is a free agent after this season, and after returning from Tommy John Surgery, he could offer a big boost to the rotation.
Appearing in four games last season, Means showed he still has the ability to be the veteran anchor of the rotation. Whether that is working towards a possible extension, Means provides a much-needed boost to an overall young starting staff.
Hearings will be set over the next couple of days, though teams will still be able to negotiate with players until then. We will update this piece if/when the remaining five players agree to deals.
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