Every time Elias speaks to the media, he is asked questions about contract extensions for young players. And he’s always given the standard response about how it’s not beneficial for either party to share details and may jeopardize the agents’ trust.
Since 2019, the Orioles have been the only major league team that has not signed a player to a four-year or more guaranteed contract. They have plenty of candidates on the roster, including high draft picks Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser. And the team has new ownership after billionaire David Rubenstein purchased it.
“I’m aware of what’s going on, as well as the conversation around us. I suppose I’ll be a little more forthcoming than I have been,” Elias said.
It would not be your typical scrum today.
“This is something we’re working on,” Elias said. “There are some players on this team who we’d like to keep for longer than their current contracts allow. It’s not as simple as just pointing and shooting.
It is case by case. There are various players, skill levels, representatives, and philosophies regarding how to handle players of various ages. We have some really good ones, and we recently changed ownership after a long period of rebuilding.
“These guys are fantastic, but they’re relatively new. There’s not much else I can say about it except that it’s something we want to do if it makes sense, that we’re working on it, and that if it happens, we’ll be out here talking about it.
It is certainly not something I can or want to impose unilaterally, so we will continue to work on it. Meanwhile, I believe the players enjoy being a part of this team and the way we allow them to be themselves while playing, surrounded by good players and resources.
I hope we have a great season, but I will do my best to work on the business behind the scenes, and hopefully we will have something that makes sense at some point.”
Within the division, the Red Sox signed ace Garrett Crochet to a six-year, $170 million contract, infielder Kristian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million contract, and the Blue Jays to a 14-year, $500 million contract to keep first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from free agency.
In the West, the Athletics signed outfielder Lawrence Butler to a seven-year, $65.5 million contract, while the Mariners signed catcher Cal Raleigh to a six-year deal worth $105 million.
In the National League, the Padres signed Severna Park native Jackson Merrill to a nine-year, $135 million extension, while the Diamondbacks paid infielder Ketel Marte $116.5 million over six years with an option.
Being an Oriole for life is an appealing prospect, if the front office can make it a reality.
“I think it’s terrific if it happens,” Elias said. “I read some quotes from Mark Shapiro, the president of the Blue Jays, a few weeks ago, and I thought he said it well: that is something of excellent value that must come with winning. So we need to keep an eye on both of these things.
“We are aware of the potential value of retaining great athletes in Baltimore when possible. This is major league baseball. It differs from other sports and can be a difficult topic at times. But we are doing everything in our power to do the best we can on this front.”
Tyler O’Neill signed the first multi-year contract under Elias, earning $49.5 million over three years, but he can opt out after 2025.
“I think it is very case-by-case,” Elias stated. “There are certainly a number of players in baseball, and I won’t go into specifics, who you wouldn’t mind signing for what appears to be the entirety of their careers.
It depends on their age, position, skill level, and other aspects of their profile. Very, very case-specific. Do not have a hard and fast rule about contract lengths.”
Elias was asked if extensions send a message to the clubhouse that the team is committed to winning.
“First and foremost, I believe that winning sends the message that we are serious about winning, and we must take care of that. And we have for the past few years,” Elias responded.
“I think even with our slow start, we are the winningest team in the American League the last two years,” said the pitcher. “Now, we are not going to rest on our laurels. We’re currently 6-9. We need to get it going again. But this is a serious and competitive organization.
We’ve seen a lot of major changes recently. We’re doing a lot to improve the organization, including the stadiums, facilities, and resources available to players behind the scenes. There will be contracts involved, including free agent extensions. It will happen over time.
“That’s the most I can say about it right now, but it’s certainly something that my staff and I and the ownership group are applying a lot of attention to.”
