Orioles owner David Rubenstein “doesn’t appear to be messing around,” as the team had the “largest payroll increase (56%) in MLB in 2025” and has continued to make deals since, according to Josh Tolentino of the BALTIMORE SUN. Since last summer, the Orioles signed top prospect C Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension worth $67M and inked a $155M deal to bring in 1B Pete Alonso. Now P Shane Baz, who signed a five-year, $68M deal, is “locked in through the 2030 season before he’s thrown a meaningful pitch in an Orioles uniform.” Individually, each move “can be debated.” Together, they “point in the same direction.” Tolentino: “Open for business? The Orioles keep proving it.” Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias said, “I would characterize this ownership group, they’re very serious. They believe in this franchise, in this city, in this market and doing everything they can to elevate the franchise.” He added, “It’s been really invigorating having that, and they’re extremely helpful.” Tolentino: “There’s a pattern forming with Rubenstein and company. He says something, and the Orioles follow it with action” (BALTIMORE SUN, 3/28).
