Orioles decline Jiménez option for 2025

The Orioles made one decision today regarding club options for 2025 and it was the easiest to forecast.

The team announced that it declined the $16.5 million option on Eloy Jiménez’s contract, which puts him on the free agent market. His deal with the White Sox included a $3 million buyout.

Jiménez wasn’t staying with the Orioles after batting .232/.270/.316 with five doubles and a home run in 33 games. And after going 1-for-24 with eight strikeouts in September.

He also couldn't play in the field while recovering from a left hamstring strain that slowed him on the basepaths.

The Orioles carried 12 position players on the Wild Card roster and Jiménez wasn’t among them. They optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Sept. 24 while activating first baseman Ryan Mountcastle from the injured list, but he was brought back to Camden Yards as an extra in case of an injury.

Jiménez was acquired from the White Sox at the deadline for minor league reliever Trey McGough, a former Rule 5 pick in the Triple-A phase. His contract also included an $18.5 million option for 2026.

The 40-man roster has dwindled to 32 players.

Four other Orioles have options that must be exercised or declined by Monday’s deadline: relievers Seranthony Domínguez, Cionel Pérez and Danny Coulombe and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn.

Domínguez and O’Hearn have options worth $8 million next season, Coulombe $4 million and Pérez $2.2 million. Pérez also is eligible for arbitration and the Orioles could decide to negotiate a new contract.

O’Hearn’s salary would more than double from the $3.5 million he earned this year. Domínguez could become the team’s highest-paid reliever as one of the setup men and a backup to closer Félix Bautista, who’s returning from Tommy John surgery.

Coulombe is the easiest call. He’s definitely back as a high-leverage lefty who’s equally effective against right-handed and left-handed hitters.