The Baltimore Orioles have made several key roster moves as they prepare for the 2025 MLB season. The team announced on Monday that they have exercised club contract options on first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn, right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez, and left-hander Cionel Pérez. However, they declined their option on veteran southpaw Danny Coulombe, who will now become a free agent.
O’Hearn, Domínguez, Pérez Retained
For Ryan O’Hearn, the Orioles exercised an $8 million option after the 31-year-old enjoyed a career year in 2024. O’Hearn played in a personal-high 142 games, slashing .264/.336/.456 with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs. His solid production and versatility to play both first base and the outfield corners likely factored into Baltimore’s decision.
On the pitching side, Seranthony Domínguez will return after the O’s picked up his $8 million option. The 29-year-old was acquired from the Phillies at the trade deadline and posted a 3.97 ERA in 26 relief appearances with Baltimore to finish the season. Overall in 2024, Domínguez logged a 4.45 ERA across 63 games between the two clubs.
Promising young reliever Cionel Pérez also had his option exercised at $2.2 million. The 28-year-old lefty went 2-0 with a 4.53 ERA in 62 games, though his season was interrupted by a right oblique strain that sidelined him for a month. Still, Pérez’s potential and affordable salary made retaining him an easy call for the front office.
Coulombe Enters Free Agency
The lone player the Orioles declined an option on was 35-year-old Danny Coulombe. The southpaw would have earned $4 million but instead will receive a $500,000 buyout and hit the open market. Coulombe pitched well when healthy in 2024, posting a 2.12 ERA in 33 games, but missed significant time due to bone chips in his left elbow.
Per a source close to the team, Coulombe’s lengthy injury absence and age likely deterred the Orioles from committing $4 million to the reliever. However, the door may remain open for a potential return on a lesser deal if he remains unsigned into the offseason.
Additional Roster Moves
In addition to the option decisions, Baltimore reinstated four players from the 60-day injured list:
- RHP Félix Bautista
- RHP Kyle Bradish
- RHP Tyler Wells
- INF/OF Jorge Mateo
All four are recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery and will continue their rehab in preparation for 2025. Their returns to health, especially the electric Bautista at the back of the bullpen, could provide a major boost to an Orioles team looking to build off their promising 2024 campaign.
Offseason Outlook
With these moves, the Orioles have begun the process of shaping their roster for the upcoming season. Retaining capable veterans like O’Hearn and Domínguez helps maintain stability and depth, while betting on the upside of a young arm like Pérez could pay dividends.
Still, declining Coulombe’s option shows the team will have to be judicious with its payroll as it tries to take the next step in the daunting American League East. Expect general manager Mike Elias and the front office to remain active in seeking cost-effective talent acquisitions that can complement the organization’s up-and-coming young core.
As the hot stove starts to warm up, Baltimore has put itself in position to be a fascinating team to watch this winter. Orioles fans are hoping a few more prudent additions can help end the franchise’s playoff drought and bring October baseball back to Charm City in 2025.
