Orioles Offseason Preview

The Orioles could have been the team of the year. The could have had a magical run in October.

Could have.
Should have.
Would have.

But, yet, they met those pesky Royals in the ALCS, where they were swept off of their feet. There offense wasn't there, they pitching wasn't there and their bullpen isn't there. Having a chance to go win their first world series since 1983, they blew it. Big time.

All hope is not lost though. Signing J.J. Hardy to a contract extension earlier this month was huge, solidifying their shortstop position for three years. Hardy is an excellent defender and his offense should return to a respectable form.

But this really was Baltimore's chance. They had all the pieces, everything necessary to just even win the Pennant, now with perhaps three vital pieces leaving, they are left swimming in an endless pool trying to pick themselves up.

Nick Markakis, Andrew Miller, and Nelson Cruz could all walk into free agency after this year. Markakis has a 17.5 million dollar option, which will likely not be picked up, according to cbssports.com. Cruz's asking price might be a little too high and as a reliever, Miller's asking price would replicated Cruz's.

The Orioles will have limited funds this off season, having already dolled out 40 million to J.J. Hardy. Retaining Chris Davis and Matt Wieters should be one of their priorities, which could eat up around another 130 million. Let's look at some options for them:

Orioles trade Dylan Bundy, Jonathon Schoop, Miguel Gonzalez, Steve Pearce and Josh Hart
Nationals trade Jordan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Denard Span

This blockbuster would definitely help out the O's where they need it. J.J. Hardy would slide over to 2nd where he is comfortable and Span could play center or right if Markakis walks. If not, Jones could slide to left to create one of the best outfields in the game. Zimmerman helps out the Orioles further solidify a top notch rotation, and Davis would play first, rendering Pearce being not needing. This trade would definitely be in a win-now mode, as Desmond, Zimmerman and Span are all free agents after this year.

Orioles trade Steve Pearce and Darren O'Day
Braves trade Jason Heyward and Kris Medlen

Pearce, as mentioned before, is not needed for the O's to succeed, but getting a player to replace Markakis is. Heyward can lead off and is an amazing defender, offering some pop and tons of speed. The final part of the trade is bullpen for a starter, which would benefit both teams.

Orioles sign Melky Cabrera for a 3 year 36 million dollar contract

Having a park like Camden Yards can be very good to a player. Nelson Cruz hit 40 homers. The Orioles led the league in home runs. Melky Cabrera could see 20 homers at Camden. At a reasonable price, he would be a nice fit for left field and the two hole for the Orioles.

The Orioles are in a tough situation, coming off of a tough postseason. We will likely either see a team ready for change, aggressive, or a team content with what they have. Either way, don't expect the Orioles to go away very soon.