With Chris Davis’ retirement last week, many were quick to point out that the Orioles are now without a player under contract for 2022 — a generally correct sentiment that belies the fact that only Matt Harvey and Maikel Franco will be free agents next year and everyone else can come back if the club wants them.
What Davis’ absence does ensure, however, is that their payroll will be lower than anticipated next year. With so many variables — how large their arbitration raises will be, what will come of bargaining between Major League Baseball and the players this winter, and the Orioles’ offseason plans — whatever that payroll ends up being will certainly become a flashpoint for many around the game.