Despite a roster loaded with young talent and a new owner signalling a commitment to sustained success, questions are beginning to emerge about the Baltimore Orioles' long-term planning.
On the latest episode of MLB Insider Scoops for Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman said that the Orioles’ approach hasn’t gone unnoticed.
"Frankly, the players have noticed this and I think they're a little concerned," Heyman said, referring to the lack of contract extensions for the team's young nucleus.
That group includes Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser, all players with significant upside, though still relatively early in their MLB careers.
Interestingly, the Orioles did make a push to retain one of their current stars.
"They tried to lock up Gunnar Henderson," Heyman revealed. "They sat down with them [Henderson and his agent], the owner did, and they made an offer. I don't think it was an unreasonable offer. I didn't hear what it was, but I didn't hear any ripping of it. And so, they made an offer and weren't able to get it done."
Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and has quickly become one of the faces of the franchise. While no deal was made, the effort to extend him shows that the Orioles aren't entirely standing still.
While it's not uncommon for teams to wait before handing out major extensions, the Orioles' hesitation has started to raise eyebrows, especially given their track record of developing homegrown talent.
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