Wednesday Bird Droppings: Orioles protect two prospects from Rule 5 draft

Good Morning, Birdland,

Two notable offseason deadlines came and went on Tuesday. First, players that were given the qualifying offer had to determine whether they would accept it or not, and then teams had to add Rule 5-eligible players to their 40-man rosters in order to protect them from said draft next month. Both deadlines were relevant for the Orioles.

Twelve of the 13 players that were extended the $21.05 million qualifying offer declined it. Nick Martinez, a pitcher for the Reds, was the only one to take it. He is a player that may have made sense for the Orioles, but it won’t be happening this offseason.

Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, both O’s in 2024, turned down the one-year…