This time last year, Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette and the rest of the club were preparing for what would turn out to be an expensive offseason that included re-signing first baseman Chris Davis and reliever Darren O'Day, making a deal for outfielder Mark Trumbo and picking up outfielder Hyun-Soo Kim, designated hitter Pedro Alvarez and starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo in free agency.
The Orioles probably won't spend like that this time around, in part because of the commitments made last offseason and significant arbitration raises scheduled for the likes of third baseman Manny Machado and closer Zach Britton. However, the Orioles' payroll -- which was $147,693,713 million in 2016, according to Cot's Contracts -- has steadily risen each year of Duquette's tenure.
