John Angelos was the owner of the Baltimore Orioles… in fact, he still is the owner, but we will soon be able to say “was” in the past tense instead of talking about it in the present tense.
For what? Because he agreed to sell his club to two billionaires: David Rubenstein, who should be the controlling shareholder, and Mike Arougheti.
The two men are expected to acquire 40% of the franchise shortly before purchasing the entire franchise when Peter Angelos, the former shareholder, dies. He is 94 years old.
It is therefore only a matter of time before we see the club change hands for the benefit of the two billionaires, but also Cal Ripken Jr. He would be involved in the project.
The sale price will be 1.725 billion dollars. John Angelos will also sell before having to take out his money to pay the young people.
Because yes, it must be remembered that Mr. Angelos did not spend money in his club. In 2023, he had the 28th largest payroll, at $93 million. Only the Pirates and the A's ($89M and $93M) did worse.
This winter, he also refused to spend to improve one of major league baseball's good clubs.
Recall that last year, he declared that the club was going to have to raise ticket prices “significantly” to hope to keep young stars in town long term. Yes N…
Obviously, we don't know the intentions of the new bosses, but they have strong backs and we can think that they will agree to spend money.
Jackson Holliday, who could sign long-term soon if his bosses want to keep him, is happy with the sale, in any case.
The club was already good, imagine what it would be like without one of the worst owners in the league and with a budget. The Orioles have the potential to continue to improve.
Next year, watch out for the Orioles among free agents…
- Cody Bellinger: Expect to see him in Chicago.
- A statue of Jackie Robinson vandalized.
- The Blue Jays wouldn't have finished.
