Some premature Orioles prediction talk

The offseason gives media a chance to make early predictions on free-agent signings, trades and other activity while waiting for actual news.

Don’t pay any attention to early World Series odds. No team has a set roster in November.

Can we at least wait until spring training?

OK, if you’re going to press me, the Orioles make the playoffs in 2025. That’s all I’ve got.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has Corbin Burnes and Max Fried signing with the Mets. I never considered Burnes as a realistic possibility for the Orioles, but I also stress how new ownership dumps us in uncharted hot stove waters.

I think the Orioles make a run at Fried but fall out of the Burnes talks early.

Bowden sees the Nationals signing right fielder Anthony Santander for $142 million over six years, signaling that they’re ready to burst past the rebuild. The Orioles left their own in the dust, but they might not be willing to make that kind of commitment.

It’s hard to walk away from 44 home runs. The power from both sides of the plate. His popularity in the clubhouse and among the fan base. Manager Brandon Hyde raves about Santander’s defense in right field while the metrics offer counterpoints.

The biggest knock on Santander is the career .307 on-base percentage. He isn’t going to draw many walks. But did I mention the 44 home runs?

The Orioles could search for an outfielder with pop who also gets on base at a higher rate and doesn’t cost as much. They also could view Heston Kjerstad as a built-in replacement and give him right field, as they envisioned back in 2020.

I think that the Orioles pursue another bat while also plotting how to give Kjerstad a legitimate chance to become established.

How hard would it be to watch the Nationals bring Santander to Camden Yards for a weekend series in May? I’d expect a huge ovation and some tears. But enough about the press box …

The Athletic’s 25 predictions also have the Orioles signing Blake Snell to a three-year, $105 million deal after he opted out of his Giants contract. This would be the boldest move under Mike Elias because he’d commit to multiple years and big-time money.

Snell’s won two Cy Young Awards but he isn’t known for his durability. He made 32 starts with the Padres in 2023 and 20 this year, though he threw a no-hitter on Aug. 2. He’s had recurring adductor strains. But he’s able to bounce back and pitch like an ace.

Adding a left-hander to the rotation seems like a wise move with right-handers Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer penciled into it and the Orioles waiting on Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish. Lefty Cade Povich will compete for a spot in camp.

Bowden doubled down on his prediction by saying that the Orioles would trade “three strong prospects” for Athletics closer Mason Miller and convert him back to a starter. Now that’s bold.

Miller would rather start because that’s what he used to do and there’s more money in it. You can’t fight that logic. You also can’t ignore his 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings out of the bullpen, but yeah, I can see him going into another team’s rotation. The Athletics don’t have to trade him, but they’d be stupid to make him untouchable.

Elias would need to part with a prospect or two who rank higher than the ones he’s traded in the past. It’s an intriguing idea, for sure, but I’ll remain a doubter until proven wrong.