John Angelos has reportedly agreed to sell the Baltimore Orioles to none other than Carlyle Group Inc. co-founder, David Rubenstein. This isn’t just any old deal – we're talking about a jaw-dropping $1.725 billion transaction.
Rubenstein, the hometown hero from Baltimore, is set to take the reins as the new controlling owner. He's not alone in this venture, teaming up with Ares co-founder Michael Arougheti to form an investment dream team.
The Orioles, a team once bought for $173 million by Peter Angelos in 1993, have seen their fair share of ups and downs. The Angelos era, particularly under John since 2020, has been a rollercoaster, with the team's performance fluctuating as much as their ownership’s decisions.
Amidst this ownership upheaval, the Orioles have secured their future at Camden Yards for at least another 15 years, possibly extending to 30. Meanwhile, Rubenstein, a man of many talents including law and politics, had his eyes on the Washington Nationals before this big move.
The Orioles, fresh off a 101-win season and an AL East title – their first since 2014 – are looking brighter than they have in decades. Thanks to young talents like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, and the upcoming Jackson Holliday, the team is poised for success. But let's not forget the elephant in the room: the team’s payroll. It’s been more like a mouse's wallet, and the fans have noticed.
Peter Angelos' tenure started with a bang at the iconic Camden Yards, but it's been a wild ride since then. Postseason appearances have been as rare as a blue moon, with a brief resurgence under Buck Showalter. The team's recent success has been marred by concerns over low spending, highlighted by a New York Times piece quoting Angelos on the unsustainable nature of high player salaries.
This sale, if it goes through, could be the dawn of a new era for the Orioles. Will Rubenstein open the financial floodgates and build a team that can consistently compete for the World Series? Or will the Orioles remain prudent, focusing on their young, promising core? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – the Orioles and their fans are perched on the edge of potentially exciting times.