Starter: Tied for the easiest decision in MLB with 124.8 other players. He'll likely get a full year of service for 2022, he's the full package and while he's not required for winning, he's a great piece. The only question is if the Orioles can make a pitch for something into FA, but all of that is another thread. Adley is the 2023 starter regardless of any of that.
Backup: This is an open question and one of the 2 most reasonable (I chose to not use the word 'obvious') places to improve the offense. Chirinos is still on the 40 but he'll be a FA and despite some of the good clubhouse things in 2022, he'll be 39 next season and there's unlikely any upside in the bat.
It's a little hard to believe the Orioles have FOUR more catchers on the 40-man right now. Seriously, none of these guys can be the answer, right? After putting ZERO catchers on the 40 last year, we're going to have 5 (after RC FA)?? ...and none of them should be an answer to the question of who the Orioles backup catcher is going to be.
Cam Gallagher is ARB1, 30 and has a career OPS of .656. He's from eastern PA, but there should probably be more requirements than that.
Anthony Bemboom, is TC2, 33, and recently added back to the 40 after posting a .418 OPS in a pre-Adley '22.
Aramis Garcia (ARB1, 30, ML OPS <.600) and Mark Kolozsvary (TC1, 27, MiL OPS of .669) were both picked up on the waiver wire from the Reds.
This just can't be serious. If none of these guys are the backup catcher in 2023, hey, I agree. The question is, what is the purpose of adding them to the 40-man. That actually takes intent. There's 100s of guys that shouldn't be on a 40-man roster...why are these guys on ours.
I have nothing against any of these guys and if you wanted them for AAA depth or something, great, but those should be minor league contracts....and if you can't sign them...so what. There are zero Baseball reasons to add them to the 40. You don't have to collect guys to release. WTH.
One thing to consider for the backup is that Adley struggled against LHers this season (.552 OPS). I don't specifically think that's a concern, but when looking for a backup, I think it makes at least a little sense to pursue a RHer for the handful of days Adley may not be in the lineup (C or DH)