Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around ā and away from ā baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.
āThis is a very momentous and historic day for the Orioles franchise,ā president of baseball operations Mike Elias said at the news conference to introduce the teamās $155 million first baseman.
The trickle-down effect on the Orioles roster could be felt in multiple ways, and this signing may only be the first major move in what could have a domino effect.
āItās a special place and itās one of the best jobs in the country, because of the kind of young men we have, because it still is, truly, a developmental program,ā Newberry said.
The Orioles were firmly in the mix for designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, a source said, although multiple outlets reported that Schwarber opted to return to Philadelphia on a five-year, $150 million deal.
The largest item on Baltimoreās to-do list remains acquiring starting pitching, and the winter meetings may lead to a critical breakthrough as the baseball world descends on Central Florida.
āI think weāll have a good bullpen, and hopefully weāll keep adding and make our team a little stronger," Helsley said. "Weāre in a tough division, so itās going to be a lot of fun this year with a lot of tight games."