So—the Orioles won’t sign Max Fried, after all, as the lefty signed late on Tuesday for 7 years, $218 million with the Yankees (grr). They’re apparently not in the running for Chicago’s Garrett Crochet. With Corbin Burnes predicted to get six years and nine digits, it’s not wise to hold your breath for a reunion with the ace, although they could still elbow someone out of the way.
If the Birds do pivot to a mid-tier starter, they could certainly do worse than longtime Oakland Athletic Sean Manaea. A free agent for the second straight offseason, the left hander just completed a one-year deal with the Mets, and it went very well.