No one would ever describe the pace of MLB’s offseason as “break neck.” Teams take their time assembling their rosters, and there is no single time period where moves happen in a flurry. Pre-Thanksgiving tends to be particularly slow.

However, this lull in actual moves does give us all the potential to dream a little bit. The Orioles have already made their biggest change of the “winter” by naming Craig Albernaz as their manager. As the skipper assembles his staff, eyes shift towards Mike Elias and his stated goals of adding a frontline starter, a right-handed bat, and reconstructing the bullpen.

It has been said a few years in a row now, but this really does feel like a consequential offseason for Elias and the Orioles. Their core is talented but coming off of a disappointing season. And some of their biggest names, like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, are only getting more expensive. The front office needs to strike while the iron is hot, and that means getting aggressive this winter.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan agrees. He believes that the Orioles need to make “significant, not stopgap” moves. He names Dylan Cease as the most obvious fit. I can buy that. Cease is volatile on the mound, but can be counted on for innings and has more upside than some of the team’s internal candidates. Since Cease did receive the qualifying offer from the Padres, in order to sign him, the O’s would have to give up their third-highest draft pick in 2026. Could Elias be open to parting with a selection after his big class of picks in 2025?

If the O’s do sign someone like Cease, or any other player that costs a draft pick, it would be a shock to see them also flip big name prospects for the other areas of need. That just would not feel very Elias-y. But we have also never seen an Elias team coming off of a disappointing season like this. Maybe it transforms his thinking a bit.

Dodgers GM Gomes dishes on childhood friend ‘Alby’ | Orioles.com
Yet another ringing endorsement of the Orioles’ new manager. This one is on a far more personal level. Brandon Gomes has known Craig Albernaz since the two were teenagers in Massachussets. It’s pretty remarkable that two kids from the same town rose to such prominent roles in Major League Baseball.

Braves Add Tony Mansolino, J.P. Martinez To Coaching Staff | MLB Trade Rumors
It was previously reported that Mansolino was joining the Braves as their third base coach. However, it is now being said that Mansolino will serve as bench coach instead. That is an important distinction since bench coaches are widely considered to be the second-in-command of the dugout. Filling that role in the Braves organization can better position Mansolino for a full-time manager role at some point.

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

This day in O’s history

1980 – Steve Stone wins the AL Cy Young award. The Orioles pitcher had led the league with 25 wins.

1998 – Relief pitcher Mike Timlin signs a four-year deal with the Orioles.