The Baltimore Orioles are looking to rebound after a disappointing end to last season, making a key change by replacing Anthony Santander with Tyler O'Neill in their lineup.

Despite the struggles of some players, including Adley Rutschman and Ryan O'Hearn, the team is banking on the growth of its young talent like Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser to improve their offensive output for the upcoming season.

The MLB free agency period has seen some hefty contracts, with Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets raising eyebrows. While Soto's offensive prowess justifies the investment, other contracts have sparked debate over their value.

Max Fried's eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees is scrutinized for its length, despite his talent. Tyler O'Neill's three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles hinges on his health, while Nathan Eovaldi's three-year, $75 million contract with the Texas Rangers raises concerns due to his injury history.

Michael Conforto's one-year, $17 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers is seen as a slight overpay given his recent performance. Luis Severino's three-year, $67 million contract with the Oakland Athletics is a gamble based on his past injuries. Frankie Montas' two-year, $34 million deal with the New York Mets also raises questions due to his inconsistent performance. Lastly, Alex Cobb's one-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers could be a risk given his age and injury issues.

The Baltimore Orioles have signed right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year, $13 million contract, enhancing their pitching rotation. Sugano, a two-time Sawamura Award winner, had an impressive 2023 season with a 1.67 ERA and 15 wins in 24 starts.

As the Orioles seek to strengthen their rotation amid free agency, Sugano joins a lineup that includes Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez. The team is also looking to re-sign Corbin Burnes and has made significant moves to adjust their payroll for the upcoming season.

The Baltimore Orioles are prioritizing offense in their offseason strategy, notably signing veteran outfielder Tyler O'Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract despite his injury-prone history.

O'Neill, who has only played over 100 games twice in six seasons, had a solid 2024 with the Boston Red Sox, but concerns about his strikeout rate and defensive performance linger. Analysts have criticized the signing, labeling it a significant risk for the Orioles.

The 2024 MLB winter meetings proved to be a thrilling event, highlighted by significant signings including Juan Soto to the New York Mets for a staggering 15-year, $765 million deal. This contract marks the largest in sports history, showcasing the Mets' commitment to building a competitive team.

Other notable signings included Max Fried to the New York Yankees, Willy Adames to the San Francisco Giants, and Nathan Eovaldi returning to the Texas Rangers. Each deal was assessed based on fit and financial implications, with varying grades assigned.