For the Orioles' rebuild, it’s relatively inconsequential among the potential long-term decisions that must be made this offseason. But in terms of how it reflects upon the outlook for the coming months and the 2021 season, perhaps none will be a better barometer.
From the World Series' conclusion Tuesday night, the Orioles have five days to decide whether to pick up shortstop José Iglesias' $3.5 million option for next season. The alternative is paying a $500,000 buyout to send Iglesias, who will turn 31 in January, into free agency.
In a normal offseason, the $3 million difference is a small price to pay for a player who hit .