Welcome back to Top of the Order
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Every Tuesday and Friday, I’ll be starting your baseball day with some news, notes, and thoughts about the game we love.
American League Option Decisions
Welcome to the second (and final) installment of the critically acclaimed “Previewing the Option Decisions” series. Today, we’ll have the American League sequel. Let’s get to it.
Baltimore Orioles
Mike Elias and his front office have five club options to decide upon. Eloy Jiménez will have his $16.5 million option turned down. On the other hand, Seranthony Domínguez, Danny Coulombe, and Cionel Pérez will have their options exercised to strengthen the bullpen. The fascinating call will be about what to do with Ryan O’Hearn and his $7.5 million club option for next season.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox almost definitely will exercise their lone club option this offseason to keep Rob Refsnyder around for a modest $2 million. Righty starter Lucas Giolito can opt out this November.
Chicago White Sox
Moncada and Stassi have high club options but are not worth having the option exercised due to injuries. No option decisions for the Guardians.
Detroit Tigers
Casey Mize and Shelby Miller have club options. Mize will be pitching for Detroit next season, while Miller’s future remains uncertain.
Houston Astros
No option decisions for the Astros. The Royals have several decisions, including options for Hunter Renfroe and Chris Stratton.
Los Angeles Angels
No option decisions for the Angels. All Twins’ decisions are formalities, with mutual options for Kyle Farmer, Manuel Margot, and Jorge Alcala.
New York Yankees
Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million option will be declined, and Luke Weaver will return for $2 million. Gerrit Cole has a decision to make on his contract.
Oakland Athletics
No option decisions for the Athletics. Jorge Polanco’s future with the Mariners is uncertain.
Seattle Mariners
Jorge Polanco has disappointed with the Mariners, and his future with the team is unclear. The decision on his $12 million club option for next year will be crucial.
