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The Orioles knew Chris Davis was going to be expensive. They might have underestimated just how expensive the powerful first baseman is, though. Baltimore reportedly has a $150 million offer on the table for Davis, but from the sounds of it, it's not going to be there much longer: the sense is that Davis and his agent, Scott Boras, are in no rush to accept the first nine-figure deal that comes their way. That's understandable, as Davis might be able to make more elsewhere, but the Orioles can't let the likes of Justin Upton slip away while they wait for Davis to respond to the best offer they can probably produce.
The O's already committed $31 million to Darren O'Day, still need a starter to replace Wei-Yin Chen, and haven't solved their outfield issue yet. So, the $150 million offer to Davis is not something that can sit around waiting for him to accept all winter, because that money is either going to him or it's going toward solving their other problems.
We're likely to see the Orioles -- and everyone else -- start to make moves on the positional side of free agency soon, at least. Now that Ben Zobrist has signed with the Cubs, both the infield and outfield markets can get moving, meaning Alex Gordon, Jason Heyward, Upton, Yoenis Cespedes, Davis, and more should start to see more interest while the lower tiers of the starting pitching market take a back seat.
- The Diamondbacks traded for Shelby Miller on Tuesday night, and they gave up a ton of value to get him. That's not a bad thing, considering adding Miller was coupled with signing Zack Greinke, but the D-Backs definitely have to stick with this all-in mentality lest they regret giving up so much.
- By dealing Miller, the Braves hastened their rebuild, adding former first-round pick Aaron Blair, 2015's first-overall selection in shortstop Dansby Swanson, and the already productive Ender Inciarte to their outfield.
- The Cubs reunited Ben Zobrist with manager Joe Maddon by giving him a four-year, $56 million deal. They then made room for him at second base by dealing Starlin Castro to the Yankees.
- The Mets lost out on Zobrist, so now the big question is whether they will find another target to spend their money on, or if the Wilpons are going to pocket this money rather than reinvest in the team that made it for them.
- The Red Sox rotation is "probably" set, and that's OK! Between David Price, a now ridiculous bullpen, and the starting pitching depth they've stockpiled, they're in a much better position to take risks than they were a year ago.
- Johnny Cueto is still out there for whoever wants to sign him, but that list is a lot shorter than it was two weeks ago.
- The Mariners are close to acquiring Adam Lind from the Brewers, thanks to some overnight talks.
- The A's and White Sox are close to a Brett Lawrie trade, though, the minor leaguers headed to Oakland are not yet known.
- The Giants want Alex Gordon, and as a productive hitter who is used to dealing with pitcher-friendly environments, he'd be a good fit.