Big Moves the Baltimore O's Could Actually Pull off This Offseason

The offseason is always an interesting time for Major League Baseball.

With free agents on the market and teams looking to deal for talent that could be on the move, the winter hot-stove season never fails to surprise or entertain.

The Baltimore Orioles are a team that could be active this winter. And while they are better known for stockpiling depth and building around their strong core group of players, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that the team makes a big move or two before Opening Day 2015.

Granted, it's more likely that Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette (pictured) keeps things simple this winter, as the O's currently have 11 arbitration-eligible players as well as right fielder and fan favorite Nick Markakis to bring back.

But the Orioles could have their sights set on a few guys who could command some dollars on the open market, and the free-agency avenue is the way for them to go if they want to make a splash. They can't exactly afford to part with the prospects for a guy like Carlos Gonzalez, for instance.

Let's take a look at some players the O's could target this winter. Keep in mind that just because I'm listing multiple scenarios doesn't mean I think that the team will make all of them happen.

Nelson Cruz, Corner Outfielder/Designated Hitter

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The Orioles want Nelson Cruz back, but at what cost?

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Cruz is seeking a four-year contract. He'll be turning 35 in the middle of next season, so four years may be a little much for an aging slugger who doesn't provide much defensively.

What's more, he's sure to want big money. Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors projects Cruz to sign a four-year, $70 million deal, which would be the third-largest deal monetarily that the O's have ever handed out.

Yes, Cruz led the majors in homers this past season with 40 long balls, and his .525 slugging percentage was eighth best in the bigs. And yes, he's a beast in the postseason, batting .292 and belting 16 homers in 41 games.

He's a highly respected member in the Baltimore locker room, as Links points out in his piece. And he's said he likes playing for the O's, even going as far as saying the O's are his first choice this offseason.

But baseball is a business, and both sides have to do what's best for themselves. The Cruz situation will be an interesting one to monitor for O's fans.

One thing is for sure: If the O's do bring Cruz back, it won't be for the proposed four-year, $70 million deal.

Billy Butler, Designated Hitter

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

The O's have liked Butler in the past, and he could become a major target if the team fails to bring Cruz back.

After three straight seasons of 40 or more doubles between 2009 and 2011 and a monster 2012 season, Butler has seen regression the last two seasons. But he's still a strong bat whom any team's lineup would improve with.

The thing with Butler is that he's even more useless defensively than Nelson Cruz is, capable of playing some first base but spending the majority of his time in the designated hitter role.

Butler has said he'd like to return to the Kansas City Royals, but anything can happen on the free-agent market. If another team comes calling with more money on the table, Butler would be foolish not to at least listen.

Butler would likely come cheaper than Cruz would, making him an attractive alternative for the O's. Should the O's lose out on Cruz, the battle for Butler between the Royals and O's could get interesting.

Andrew Miller, Relief Pitcher

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

In helping the Orioles to their first division title and American League Championship Series appearance in 17 years, Andrew Miller had an expensive season.

With a 2.02 ERA in 62.1 innings, 103 strikeouts to 17 walks, a .145 batting average against versus right-handed batters and a .163 number against lefties, Miller was ridiculous in 2014.

A left-handed pitcher with that kind of ability is going to command some serious cash on the open market. Teams may be willing to give him closer money to set up, or other teams may offer him a closer gig.

It's no surprise that the O's want Miller back, but of course, it all depends on what the team can afford as well as deems reasonable for a one-inning setup man.

On top of that, the O's will likely be bidding against the likes of the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and any other big-money team that decides Miller is the piece that will complete it. The odds don't look good for the Birds.

However, stranger things have happened, and if the O's are serious about pursuing Miller, here's to hoping that his two-and-a-half-month stay in Birdland proved to be an experience he wants to continue. It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Acquire a Dodgers Outfielder

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to deal a big-money outfielder or two, and the O's could be in the market for an outfielder at some point this offseason.

As much as it seems like Markakis will return to the Orioles, there's always the chance he doesn't. On top of that, the O's left field situation is anything but settled, with Steve Pearce, Alejandro De Aza and David Lough all currently in the mix to play there in 2015.

According to Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Dodgers want to move at least one of their three big-money outfielders this winter to create more space for the likes of Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson.

The belief, according to Saxon, is that the team would like to move Andre Ethier the most, followed by Carl Crawford, but will listen to offers on Matt Kemp.

The Dodgers are apparently willing to listen to anything, from them eating a large portion of the contract of the player being dealt to the receiving team absorbing the entire contract and the Dodgers receiving players of value in return.

The Orioles could potentially get in on that, as it wouldn't require them to completely empty their farm system while also acquiring a player with some talent and serious production potential. All three of those names on the block have contributed significantly at some point in their careers, and it's not a stretch to think they could do it again.

The O's could also find a way to dump a big contract of their own in such a deal, which leads us to our next slide…

Trading Ubaldo Jimenez

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

The first season of a four-year, $50 million deal between starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and the Orioles did not go according to plan.

A pitcher who has shown flashes of brilliance as well as serious low points in the past gave the Orioles exactly that in 2014: a mixed bag. Unfortunately for both sides, the bag contained more bad than good: a 6-9 record, a 4.81 ERA and a whopping 77 walks in 125.1 innings pitched.

MLB.com writer Tracy Ringolsby reports that Jimenez's name has been mentioned in trade talks, and multiple teams are interested in the right-hander.

Jimenez is the type of guy who could be traded for nothing as long as the receiving team takes on his contract, or he could be traded for something of value if the O's absorb a big portion of the remaining $39 million on his deal.

Also, it's not as if Jimenez couldn't potentially provide value. A new home, especially one in the National League, could help revive his career a bit.

Trading Jimenez, especially if done soon, could help free up some salary space for other acquisitions the O's would like to make this offseason.

Orioles fans would probably jump for joy if Jimenez were dealt this winter. It'll be tough for Duquette to pull off, but it's not impossible.