Next deadline is upon Orioles as CBA is set to expire (updated)

With the clock ticking much louder on the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, and a resolution by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday seems impossible, the next order of business for anyone covering the Winter Meetings is to check the hotel's cancellation policy.

Don't want to get charged for a room that isn't used. (The policy is 48 hours before check-in, if you care.)

Also, who doesn't love a Southwest credit?

A free agent still must pass his physical and sign a contract after the final details are settled. This is why the two sides can't wait until the last minute. The sport could shut down before pen is applied to paper.

What does it mean for the Orioles?

They aren't major players in free agency, but they certainly have work to do on their rotation, infield and catching depth. Letting the market play out, a popular strategy in Baltimore for many years, has become a lot harder to do.

Ask me today who's behind the plate on opening day and who's backing up and you'll hear the sounds of silence.

Free agents could be signed and trades consummated as soon as a new CBA is in place, and if you think there's been a frenzy of activity the last few days, just imagine if a lockout carries into late January or early February. Talk about panic shopping.

The Orioles enter tonight's deadline for tendering contracts to arbitration-eligible players with a full 40-man roster. Under normal circumstances, they'd clear a few spots to allow for selections in the Rule 5 draft. It doesn't require heavy lifting. But the draft could be put on hold, which makes me wonder if there's any urgency to do more trimming.

Infielder Hanser Alberto was non-tendered last year at the deadline, and shortstop José Iglesias was traded to the Angels for minor league pitchers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto. Alberto and Iglesias are free agents.

A non-tender and trade remain options for executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias, who also would need space on the 40-man if acquiring a player on a major league deal.

The claiming of pitcher Cionel Pérez off waivers from the Reds was a bit surprising because it filled the roster while also raising speculation over the motivation behind the move. The front office sensing that the Winter Meetings would be canceled? The front office tipping its hand on plans for its other southpaw relievers?

Or he's just a pitcher they like with ties to Elias from their days in the Astros organization. Maybe there's nothing more to see here.

Pérez is out of minor league options, which can complicate his chances of breaking camp with the team.

The Orioles have 23 pitchers on the 40-man and no catchers. Adjustments are coming. But when?

Maybe they're waiting for the Rangers to take a breath.

Infielder Marcus Semien at $175 million over seven years. Pitcher Jon Gray at $56 million for four years. Outfielder Kole Calhoun at $5.2 million in 2022. Shortstop Corey Seager at $325 million over 10 years.

That's $561.2 million combined in a period of 24 hours from a team posting the second-worst record in the American League and holding the third pick in the 2022 draft.

They might need to select an accountant.

The Mets already spent $254 million and the Blue Jays $121 million before the sun set yesterday. The Mariners shocked the industry by reaching agreement with Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray on a five-year, $115 million contract.

Elias must set his sights a lot lower, for as long as he's allowed to do his job uninterrupted.

Update: The 40-man roster has an opening after the Orioles released pitcher Brooks Kriske.

Kriske was selected off waivers from the Yankees on Sept. 16 and allowed five runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings.