Winter Meetings Coverage

Boras says Rubenstein-owned Orioles are more aggressive free-agent players

DALLAS—Scott Boras, who represents a number of key Orioles, said the team has become more aggressive in pursuing free agents under owner David Rubenstein.

On Tuesday, the Orioles announced the signing of Boras client outfielder Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract with an opt-out after next season.

“We kind of jumped the market in that regard,” Boras said at his annual media briefing at the Winter Meetings. “We’ve been in very close contact with Mike Elias and talking to him regularly. He’s made it very clear under this ownership they’re going to take steps forward that they haven’t taken in the past.”

Boras has the top starting pitcher in free agency, Corbin Burnes, who had an excellent 2024 for the Orioles.

“For pitching, Corbin Burnes is kind of like Elvis. He’s got that Burnesing love for a No. 1 starter,” Boras said. “You are really feeling if today, and very early for me this morning, I might add.”

There are a number of teams pursuing Burnes, and Boras said Burnes remains open to staying in Baltimore.

“Corbin is open to really listening to every team,” he said.

Boras also represents three of the Orioles young stars — Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg. With Juan Soto agreeing to a reported 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Boras was coy about answering whether he has recommended to Henderson that he avoid signing an extension with the Orioles and wait for free agency.

“I think that adage is something yours truly has been talking about for a long time,” Boras said. “Select players. There are a lot of players that have benefited from signing early, too. They’re in the right place at the right time. It really depends on the individual. It really does.

“That would be something that Gunnar has to define over time, where he’s playing. Certainly skill-wise, he is one of the elite young players in the game, that’s for sure.”

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.

Share
Published by
Rich Dubroff

Recent Posts

  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ offensive ineptitude spoils Kremer’s gem in 1-0 loss to Mariners

BALTIMORE-What happened? For the last four games, the Orioles' offense has been nonexistent. After producing…

August 13, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ Bautista, Eflin done for season; Updates on Bradish, Rodriguez, Suárez, Wells

BALTIMORE—Orioles closer Félix Bautista and starting pitcher Zach Eflin won't pitch again during the 2025…

August 12, 2025
  • Mailbag

How is Jackson Holliday doing for the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: What is Jackson Holliday’s status with the Orioles right now?  People (including you) talk…

August 12, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Struggling Orioles face daunting schedule; Closer options might be expanding

BALTIMORE—Over the next four weeks, the Orioles play 25 games—all against teams with records over…

August 12, 2025
  • Minors

Beavers enters Baseball America Top 100 prospect list; Orioles claim outfielder Daniel Johnson

Dylan Beavers, the Orioles' outfield prospect who is awaiting a callup to Baltimore, is now…

August 11, 2025
  • Rich Dubroff

Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez has bone spur removed from right elbow

Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez had surgery on Monday to remove a bone spur from his…

August 11, 2025