Baltimore Sun · Mar 28, 2017
Orioles could retain Bourn, Johnson on restructured deals
Even though the Orioles officially cut ties with outfielder Michael Bourn and infielder Chris Johnson on Monday, the team could re-sign both to re-structured deals in the coming days.
Bourn requested and was granted release from his minor-league deal on the day he had the opportunity to opt out. Johnson was unconditionally released.
The Orioles' minor-league deals with veteran players often include bonuses that force the team to pay additional salary to players who remain in camp beyond a certain day.
That appears to be the case for Bourn and Johnson -- being that since neither was going to make the Opening Day major league roster, the team could release them before the bonuses kicked in.