SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles were on the brink of exploding, and in a good way. This wasn’t dissension. It was celebration.

They won 101 games and the division in 2023, stomping the rebuild into submission. The champagne was on ice after the clincher and players were handed goggles in the clubhouse to protect their eyes.

“You don’t need glasses,” veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson shouted. “The burn’s the best part.”

Now that’s leadership.

Free agency appeared to burn Gibson but he’s returning after signing a one-year contract last night for $5.25 million. Injuries dug into the Orioles’ depth. Gibson is one of the remedies. It just won’t be immediate with the need to undergo his own spring training and ramp-up.

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher KYLE GIBSON on a one-year major league contract for the 2025 season.

Gibson, 37, was 8-8 with a 4.24 ERA (80 ER/169.2 IP) with 161 hits (23 HR), 91 total runs, 68 walks (1 IBB), four hit batters, and 151 strikeouts in 30 starts last season for the St. Louis Cardinals. He completed at least 6.0 innings in 17 starts and his 20.9 percent strikeout rate was his highest since 2018 (22.7%). Gibson is one of seven major league pitchers to have made at least 30 starts in four straight seasons, a group that includes current Oriole CHARLIE MORTON.

Gibson spent the 2023 season with the Orioles, going 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA (101 ER/192.0 IP) in 33 starts. He tied for the American League lead in starts, tied for third in wins, and ranked sixth in the AL in innings. Gibson was the Opening Day starter. He was honored as the Orioles’ nominee for the esteemed Roberto Clemente Award, the annual recognition of a player from each club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Gibson also earned the honor in 2022 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

A native of Greenfield, Ind., Gibson was selected by Minnesota in the first round (No. 22 overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Missouri. He was a 2021 American League All-Star and was a 2011 Futures Game participant. Gibson is 112-108 with a 4.52 ERA (936 ER/1,865.2 IP) in 330 career games (324 GS) between the Cardinals, Orioles, Phillies, Twins, and Texas Rangers.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher KYLE BRADISH (right elbow UCL surgery) was placed on the 60-day Injured List. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

SARASOTA, Fla. – Félix Bautista has become a mountainous riddle.

His fastball touches 98 mph, which it’s done multiple times. He says that his arm feels good and yes, of course, he’s going to be on the Opening Day roster. His last outing was scoreless and hitless with two strikeouts. He retired the side in order after twice running the count full.

The scoreboard radar readings had Bautista at 96 mph, 96, 95, 93 for the first out; 82, 88, 86, 96, 96, 96 for the second out; and 84, 98, 85, 97, 97, 88, 97 and 86 to end the inning. He threw some good splitters.

This isn’t 2023 All-Star Bautista, but he seems to be trending that way. It was supposed to be a gradual build.

The list of relievers last night behind Tomoyuki Sugano didn’t include Bautista, which raised some eyebrows because of the gap between appearances. The media was told that he threw on the back fields, like most of the starters. More innings can be squeezed outside the Grapefruit League.

SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman found a different way to bond with Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano and to learn more about his new teammate. They got away from the field and the clubhouse. They got away from baseball.

They played a round of golf this week.

“He’s a funny guy, just a cool dude,” Rutschman said tonight. “I know with the language barrier it’s kind of tough sometimes to make those connections, but he seems like a really down-to-earth guy. He works his butt off every single day. Just to see a guy like that in a new environment and getting comfortable and doing his thing has been really cool for me to watch, and I think everyone else.”

Who’s the better golfer?

“He is,” Rutschman said without hesitation. “He’s really good.”

SARASOTA, Fla. – Charlie Morton will start the second game of the season on March 28 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Two-thirds of the rotation is confirmed.

Zach Eflin is the Opening Day starter on March 27. Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano, who pitches tonight, will slot further down.

Morton, 41, has tossed six scoreless innings in his three spring starts. He signed a $15 million contract in January and is entering his 18^th major league season.

“He’s been everything,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He’s been an amazing influence on our team so far already. Just with his interactions with guys. He’s throwing the ball extremely well, he looks great. That’s just Charlie Morton.

“The stuff he’s thrown out every time out has been really good. He’s brought a lot to our team already.”

SARASOTA, Fla. – The penultimate home game of the exhibition season finds Ramón Urías in tonight’s lineup for the Orioles. Gunnar Henderson, however, remains out of it.

Urías is playing third base, Jackson Holliday is at shortstop and Jordan Westburg is at second base.

Tyler O’Neill is in left field, Colton Cowser is in center and Heston Kjerstad is in right.

Cedric Mullins is leading off and serving as designated hitter.

Hot-hitting Ryan Mountcastle is out of the lineup.

SARASOTA, Fla. – Three more days and the Orioles break camp, play the Nationals in D.C., fly to Toronto, work out and begin a season that could deliver their first playoff win since 2014. Congratulations, it's an oh boy!

Tucked somewhere within this stretch is a finalized roster for March 27, with media curious whether it’s safe to report by Sunday’s game against the Braves in North Port or if the Orioles could wait until Monday.

Two years ago, they announced the Danny Coulombe trade with the Twins on the last day in camp. Colton Cowser broke the news of his inclusion on the Opening Day roster last spring after Orioles played the Twins in Fort Myers. He stood in the hallway outside the visiting clubhouse, revealed that he had just received confirmation from executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde, and wondered if he committed a faux pas.

“I was just informed that I made the club. I’m excited,” he said.

Cowser stopped, turned to a team official and asked, “Was I supposed to say that?”

SARASOTA, Fla. – Every pitch and every inning felt like they weighed a ton on a scale of importance.

Spring training results aren’t supposed to matter. The games don’t count.

Don’t tell that to Cade Povich.

Povich and Albert Suárez are battling for the last rotation spot. Suárez allowed one run in five innings in Lakeland in his most recent start. The Orioles switched Charlie Morton to the back fields this afternoon to get his six ups, removing Povich from a piggyback role and putting him first against the Blue Jays’ regular-heavy lineup.

In response, Povich tossed five hitless innings. No runs allowed, three walks, six strikeouts, and much more for the Orioles to consider.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The sight and sounds were calming. Gunnar Henderson walking up to the cage this afternoon for batting practice. Loud line drives ripped into the outfield. The shortstop smiling with teammates.

Henderson made his first real bid for inclusion on the Opening Day roster by hitting on the field. He still must get into games, which is most important, and the Orioles are off Wednesday.

The layoff is a long one, with Henderson’s last game on Feb. 27. He strained his right intercostal while catching Bo Bichette’s line drive in the first inning.

Henderson is receiving daily treatments, and today’s session could get him into Thursday’s lineup if he responds well to it.

The Orioles haven't decided whether they'd keep Henderson on the active roster and play short-handed if he couldn't participate in the first few games in Toronto.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles made seven more camp cuts this afternoon, the most notable catcher Samuel Basallo and corner infielder Coby Mayo, the top two prospects in the organization.

Mayo was optioned to the minor league side in Twin Lakes Park. Basallo, outfielder Daz Cameron, infielder/outfielder Nick Gordon and pitchers Corbin Martin, Levi Stoudt and Thaddeus Ward were reassigned.

Forty-one players remain in camp, including six non-roster invitees.

Charlie Morton was supposed to make his fourth spring start tonight after tossing six scoreless innings, but left-hander Cade Povich has replaced him.

Morton is fine. The Orioles have him throwing on a back field, where he can get six ups. He's expected to pitch in Sunday's Grapefruit League finale against the Braves in North Port, which lines him up to be the No. 2 starter.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Optioned INF Coby Mayo to minor league camp.
• Reassigned C Samuel Basallo, OF Daz Cameron, INF/OF Nick Gordon, RHP Corbin Martin, RHP Levi Stoudt, and RHP Thaddeus Ward to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 41 players (35+6 NRI).

Jorge Mateo played a baseball game on Sunday, his first since July 23.  

“He adds so much to our team – versatility, the speed,” Brandon Hyde told reporters down in Sarasota. “I love his energy he brings on a daily basis. We missed that last year.”

Despite the encouraging signs that Mateo is nearing a big league return, the odds that the speedster makes the Opening Day roster feel slim. Appearing in a spring training game is a big step, but many more have to be taken. 

Hyde continuously raves about Mateo’s value, noting his speed, defensive versatility and energy. The skipper’s approval is a big box to check. So while it isn’t guaranteed that Mateo will have a roster spot upon his return from injury, it seems likely. 

When that day comes, how will the Orioles make room for him on the 26-man roster?

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit on the field earlier today in Sarasota, went through more defensive drills and is progressing well, according to manager Brandon Hyde. However, Hyde added that Henderson remains “a little bit away from game activity.”

That isn’t good.

Time is running out on Henderson with the last exhibition next Monday in D.C. The Orioles break camp the previous day after playing the Braves in North Port.

The Orioles traveled to Fort Myers today to face the Red Sox. Livan Soto hit leadoff and started at shortstop.

Henderson isn’t expected to make the Opening Day roster if he can’t get back into the spring lineup.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Orioles are keeping their everyday players back in Sarasota today for a morning workout and a break, with backups and minor leaguers facing the Red Sox at JetBlue Park.

Samuel Basallo is playing first base and Coby Mayo is at third. Gary Sáchez is catching.

Dylan Beavers is in left field and Enrique Bradfield Jr. is in center.

Ramón Urías (left hamstring) and Emmanuel Rivera (left shoulder) remain out of the lineup. Urías hasn’t played since Wednesday and Rivera since Thursday, but their returns are coming soon.

Right-hander Roansy Contreras is starting for the Orioles. He’s made four relief appearances and allowed five runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He’s also surrendered three home runs.

The Orioles today announced that TONY MAYHOFF has joined the organization as Vice President, Corporate Partnerships. Mayhoff will lead the Orioles’ Corporate Partnerships department, including sponsorship, advertising sales, and partnership marketing.

“Throughout his career, Tony has demonstrated the ability to work with partners taking a consultative approach that has elevated brands bringing stories to life,” shared DON ROVAK, Orioles Chief Revenue Officer.  “We are so excited for Tony to bring his strategic and creative approach to lead our partnership team.”

“I look forward to cultivating strong relationships in the Baltimore community and working with partners to innovatively connect business goals with meaningful opportunities,” said Mayhoff.

Mayhoff joins the organization with over a decade of experience in commercial management, most recently serving as Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports, where he led the organization’s commercial strategy. In that role, he collaborated with major brands and media partners to create impactful sponsorships and marketing initiatives while overseeing brand development, communications, and partner engagement.

Mayhoff majored in finance during his undergrad and holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. He and his family will be relocating from the Charlotte area to Baltimore.

SARASOTA, Fla. – The internet doesn’t have space limitations except for mailbags. There’s got to be a cutoff. Land the plane at some point. Spirit Airlines is taking volunteers. Live to write another day.

This is the day to share the leftovers, with the same minimal editing and mailbag flexes.

You come at the king, you best not miss.

Do you feel like the Orioles are being ignored as potential division winners? I’ve seen a lot of “the Red Sox have to be favorites with the Yankees injuries” or, “the door is open for the Blue Jays and Rays” or even “the Yankees are still 100 percent making the playoffs” (from Chris Rose) and no one expecting much from the O’s.
If it makes you feel any better, and that’s why I’m here, PECOTA has the Orioles with 88.4 wins – I’d bet heavy on them not hitting that exact total – and only the Rangers are calculated with more at 90.3. There’s your respect. The Yankees dropped to third place in the division behind the Blue Jays after Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury. Maybe this is bad news because PECOTA usually comes in low on the Orioles, but let’s keep it positive. I worry about you.

Fast forward to Sept. 1. Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano and Cade Povich are all pitching pretty well. Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are healthy. Who’s making regular starts from Sept. 1 to the clinching game of the World Series?
And don’t say “your mom.” Oh wait … I’ll predict that Wells is in the bullpen and given another chance to start in 2026. I’d put Bradish in the rotation but that’s assuming he’s pitching again by September. I don’t see a world where Grayson Rodriguez isn’t in the rotation when he’s healthy. Eflin is a lock. Povich might have to be optioned if he’s just pitching “pretty well.” Morton might retire and be a greeter at Walmart. An age joke! I kid.

SARASOTA, Fla. – He’s listed at 5 feet 8 and his 19^th birthday is three months away. The Orioles promoted him from the Dominican Summer League to the Class A level last season. Height and age didn’t factor into how they treated him.

Results and a 70-grade fastball got Venezuelan right-hander Keeler Morfe moving faster than expected.

Morfe has grown into the No. 9 prospect in the organization according to MLB Pipeline rankings and the Orioles chose him to start tonight’s Spring Breakout game against the Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium.

The kid announced his presence with seven pitches to leadoff hitter George Lombard Jr. at 98-99 mph. The last, clocked at 99, struck him out.

The bingo card was filled – two runs, two hits, two walks, one strikeout, one wild pitch, one hit batter in two-thirds of an inning. Morfe threw 32 pitches and they kept catcher Samuel Basallo busy. But there’s no denying the stuff. It’s real impressive.

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Orioles held pitchers fielding practice inside the ballpark this week in Sarasota. They took turns chasing soft ground balls that manager Brandon Hyde rolled near them, causing them to break left or right from the mound, and waited for a teammate to yell “first” or “third.”

A reminder of those tedious drills came in the fourth inning today when reliever Gregory Soto bounced a throw to first base in an attempt to retire the Pirates’ Ji Hwan Bae with one out. The fielding part went smoothly, but not the last part.

The ball got past Coby Mayo, allowing Bae to reach second base. Soto walked the next two batters and Bae came home with the tie-breaking run when Oneil Cruz grounded into a force.

Soto had strung together three straight scoreless outings before allowing an unearned run today. He’s totaled five innings and surrendered two earned, five hits, his first two walks and six strikeouts.

Today’s appearance consisted of 19 pitches and only seven strikes.

BRADENTON, Fla. – Ramón Urías is out of the Orioles lineup for a third consecutive day as he recovers from a sore hamstring.

Manager Brandon Hyde indicated that Urías’ return was imminent.

“He went through a full day today,” Hyde said. “It got a little tight on him yesterday, but nothing to be concerned about. He should be back in a couple days. It’s a hamstring, so we just want to make sure. He went through full defensive work today and batting practice.”

Urías is 7-for-23 (.304) with two doubles and a home run in nine games. He started at third base Wednesday.

The Orioles expect Urías to break camp in his usual utility role, and his importance increases with Gunnar Henderson questionable due to a strained right ribcage muscle.

BRADENTON, Fla. – Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson provided an injury update this morning after making a quick stop at his locker, his first beat writer scrum since before he strained his right intercostal on Feb. 27.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “Been swinging, taking ground balls and stuff, so I’m on the right track, progressing.”

The injury occurred when Henderson made a leaping backhand catch of Bo Bichette’s line drive in the first inning. He grounded out in his only at-bat and came out of the game in the top of the second.

The intercostal is a muscle that runs between the ribs.

“It’s getting there,” he said. “It’s a lot better than what it originally felt like.”