Baltimore Orioles News

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Marco Luciano • OF • Orioles

Marco Luciano Claimed Off Waivers by Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed infielder/outfielder Marco Luciano off waivers, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Luciano was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates just two weeks after being claimed off waivers by them on Dec. 5. The 24-year-old was one of the top-ranked prospects in the San Francisco Giants organization a few years ago, but he has struggled in his big-league opportunities, holding a career slash line of .217/.286/.304 (68 wRC+) with a 35.7% strikeout rate in 126 plate appearances. Luciano also struggled during his time with Triple-A Sacramento in 2025, hitting .214 and striking out 30.6% of the time, but he at least flashed his power-speed skill set with 23 homers and 10 stolen bases over 555 plate appearances. He'll aim to establish himself in his new home in Baltimore.

23 hours ago

Jhonkensy Noel • RF • Orioles

Jhonkensy Noel Claimed by Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have designated right-handed pitcher George Soriano for assignment. Noel has spent his entire MLB career in Cleveland. He made his debut during the 2024 campaign and immediately flashed power upside, hitting 13 long balls with a .486 SLG across 67 games. The following season, Noel would take a massive step back, hitting just six home runs with a .297 SLG across a slightly higher 69-game sample. Under the hood, he carried a .203 xwOBA with a .283 xSLG, suggesting he did not generate quality contact. Through 268 career games at the Triple-A level, Noel has held a .250/.323/.473 line. Managers should expect Noel to likely spend most of the 2026 season with the Norfolk Tides, given his struggles in the majors last summer.

2 days ago

Zach Eflin • SP • Orioles

Zach Eflin Re-Signs With Orioles

Right-hander Zach Eflin re-signed with the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday night on a one-year deal worth $10 million, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. The 31-year-old veteran will stick around in Baltimore as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, in which he went 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA (5.64 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, and 50:13 K:BB ratio in 14 starts (71 1/3 frames). Eflin's poor season probably had a lot to do with a back injury that required season-ending surgery in August. He should be back to full health for spring training in February. Eflin also dealt with a right-lat strain. Even if he's fully healthy come Opening Day, outside of his elite control, he won't have a ton of fantasy upside on the wrong side of 30, especially in the tough American League East.

Dec 29

Shane Baz • SP • Orioles

Orioles Acquire Shane Baz From the Rays

The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for four prospects, outfielders Slater de Brun and Austin Overn, right-hander Michael Forret, catcher Caden Bodine, plus a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick (No. 33 overall), sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Baz, 26, is an electric young arm that just hasn't been able to take the next step in his career. Last year for the Rays, Baz posted a 4.87 ERA (3.85 xERA) with a 15.8 K-BB% and a 1.33 WHIP across a career-high 166 1/3 innings. On the bright side, he was able to pitch nearly the entire season for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-3 hurler joins Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells in the revamped O's rotation. Fantasy managers should welcome the change of scenery for Baz, even if Camden Yards isn't as pitcher-friendly as Tropicana Field.

Dec 19

Pete Alonso • 1B • Orioles

Pete Alonso Meets With Cubs and Red Sox at Winter Meetings

The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox met with first baseman Pete Alonso at the Winter Meetings before he ultimately signed his five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. While details of the discussions remain unclear, it's noteworthy that the Cubs sat down with the 31-year-old slugger. Chicago's current first baseman, Michael Busch, is coming off a career year in which he slashed .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs, 90 RBI, 78 runs, and four stolen bases, good for a 140 wRC+. The one notable concern is his performance against left-handed pitching. Busch hit just .207 against southpaws last season and struck out 26 times in 95 plate appearances, raising the possibility that the Cubs may view him as a long-term platoon option. For fantasy managers, Busch's usage against same-handed pitching is something worth monitoring moving forward.

Dec 12

Pete Alonso • 1B • Orioles

Mets Never Made a Formal Offer to Re-Sign Pete Alonso

The New York Mets never made a formal offer to try and bring first baseman Pete Alonso back, a source told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. It became clear to the Mets that the bidding for Alonso "was heading to places they weren't interested in going." The Baltimore Orioles landed the 31-year-old All-Star for five years and $155 million on Wednesday. It's been a rough week for the Mets, as they also lost former closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alonso had a strong 2025 season in his last year in Queens, slashing .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI in a full 162 games. The Polar Bear is an elite source of power for fantasy managers, as he's clubbed 264 round-trippers in seven seasons since entering the league in 2019. We shouldn't expect Alonso to hit for average again in 2026 in Baltimore, but he's a pretty good bet for 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI with the O's if he stays healthy.

Dec 10

Pete Alonso • 1B • Orioles

Pete Alonso, Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal

Free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million deal on Wednesday, sources tell ESPN's Jeff Passan. Alonso is leaving the Mets to join the American League East. The 31-year-old right-handed slugger was greeted by a cold market last offseason and eventually re-signed with the Mets for two years and $54 million. Alonso opted out of the final year of the deal after 2025, though, and now he's on the move. The Polar Bear had a career-high .272 batting average in 2025 in his final year with the Mets and added 38 home runs, a league-high 41 doubles, 126 RBI, and 87 runs scored in 162 games played. Alonso isn't the best defensive first baseman, but he makes up for it by being an elite slugger at the plate. He has cleared 30-plus home runs in all six of his full seasons and has topped 40 homers three times. Alonso gives the Orioles some much-needed thump in the middle of their batting order.

Dec 10

Pete Alonso • 1B • Orioles

Did the Price for Pete Alonso Just Go Up?

The price for free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso has "likely" risen in light of Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million contract, per Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. Alonso is now expected to seek a six- or seven-year deal, though it's unclear whether the Boston Red Sox would commit to a contract that would carry him through his age-36 or age-37 season. The 31-year-old slugger bet on himself last year by taking a one-year deal with the Mets, and that decision appears poised to pay off. In 2025, Alonso launched 38 home runs and slashed .272/.347/.524 with a 141 wRC+ across a career-high 709 plate appearances. For fantasy managers, Alonso remains one of the safest sources of home runs in the league, and he's played all 162 games in each of the last two seasons.

Dec 10

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Orioles

Free-agent right-hander Ryan Helsley agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, a source told Katie Woo of The Athletic. Helsely will have the ability to opt out of the deal after his first season in Baltimore. Reports suggested that interested MLB teams were looking at making the 31-year-old veteran into a starting pitcher for next season, but the O's will keep him as a reliever. A dreadful two-month period with the New York Mets in 2025 did little to deter interest in him around the league, as around 15 teams checked in on him this offseason, including the Detroit Tigers. Helsley was an All-Star in 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals, when he led baseball with 49 saves. He converted 21 of 26 save chances for St. Louis this past season, but he had a 7.20 ERA in 22 outings after being traded to the Mets. He was struggling with predictability issues and pitch tipping. Felix Bautista (shoulder) isn't expected to be ready until late next season, so Helsley should be Baltimore's primary closer for most of 2026.

Nov 29

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Tigers Eyeing Ryan Helsley as a Starter

The Detroit Tigers are among the teams talking to free-agent right-hander Ryan Helsley about becoming a starter next year, according to people familiar with his market. Helsley has not started since 2019 while at Triple-A Memphis in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization. If the 31-year-old veteran were to return to a starting role, he would need to expand his repertoire, as he threw more than 90% sliders and four-seam fastballs with the Cardinals and New York Mets in 2025. However, he does have a curveball, and he added a cutter in spring training. The market for closers is pretty deep this offseason, so Helsley would expand his possibilities on the open market this winter if he's willing to start. Helsley led the big leagues with 49 saves in 2024, but the two-time All-Star struggled to a 4.50 ERA and 1.54 WHIP this year while saving 21 games with the Cards. He was tipping pitches at times and had a rough 7.20 ERA in 20 innings after joining the Mets.

Nov 24

Ryan Mountcastle • 1B • Orioles

Orioles Tender a Contract to Ryan Mountcastle

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Baltimore Orioles tendered a contract offer to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle for the 2026 season. Mountcastle was a non-tender candidate after hitting just seven home runs in 2025. The 28-year-old is projected to make more than $8 million in salary arbitration in 2026, but it looks like he's going to stick around in Baltimore for at least one more season. The former 36th overall pick in the 2015 draft hit .250/.286/.367 with a career-worst .653 OPS, 35 RBI, and 34 runs scored in 89 games played in his sixth year in the majors this past season. Since clubbing a career-high 33 long balls and driving in 89 RBI in his first full season in 2021, Mountcastle has regressed at the plate, especially in the power department. 2026 will be a make-or-break year for him, and he could be a trade candidate before the regular season even begins.

Nov 22

Félix Bautista • RP • Orioles

Orioles Avoid Arbitration With Felix Bautista

Right-handed reliever Felix Bautista and the Baltimore Orioles avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.25 million contract for next season, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Bautista will return to Baltimore for the 2026 campaign, but he's not expected to be available to pitch again until after the All-Star break after he had surgery to fix a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder back in August. The 30-year-old Dominican reliever also missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. The good news is that Bautista looked strong again in 35 appearances out of the O's bullpen in 2025 before his shoulder injury, posting a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 19 saves, 50 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 34 2/3 frames. He had a career-high 33 saves in 56 appearances in his All-Star season in 2023.

Nov 21

Taylor Ward • LF • Orioles

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels

The Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night in exchange for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow), according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. The Orioles get the power-hitting outfielder that they were seeking while giving up their former top pitching prospect, who missed all of the 2025 season due to injury. Ward, 32 next month, was a former catcher but has transitioned to a power-hitting corner outfielder. From 2024 to 2025, Ward slashed .237/.320/.450 with 61 home runs and 178 RBI while ranking 25th among 316 hitters in chase rate. He has one year left until he reaches free agency. Ward will fill a need for the Orioles alongside outfielders Colton Cowser and Tyler O'Neill, but they are also expected to target a center fielder this offseason. Ward isn't going to hit for a high average, but his power should play very nicely at Camden Yards and in the American League East.

Nov 19

Félix Bautista • RP • Orioles

Felix Bautista Could Return in Second Half in 2026

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said on Wednesday that right-handed closer Felix Bautista (shoulder), who had right-shoulder surgery this year, could be back after the trade deadline in 2026, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The Orioles are still planning on adding late-inning help this offseason, though, because they aren't "banking on him immediately being himself." Specifically, Bautista's surgery fixed a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. He was a first-time All-Star in 2023, when he closed out a career-high 33 games, but he missed all of the 2024 season due to injury as well. The 30-year-old veteran had a career-high 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 19 saves, 50 K's, and 23 walks in 34 2/3 frames this year before being shut down. Bautista will be a risky late-inning fantasy reliever next year after his long layoff.

Nov 13

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Orioles

Grayson Rodriguez to Have Workload Restrictions in 2026?

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias hinted on Wednesday at the GM meetings in Las Vegas that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will face workload restrictions next season, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. "You miss a year and 2 months, we've got to be realistic about that, and it's not something that we're planning around very heavily. But he's a guy that provides a real wild card for us talent-wise," Elias said. Rodriguez was expected to start ramping up his throwing program in October after he missed all of 2025 due to multiple right-elbow issues before having surgery to remove a bone spur in his arm in August. The 25-year-old former 11th overall pick in 2018 is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in mid-February. However, even if he doesn't have any setbacks with his elbow, his innings will be monitored closely in 2026, limiting his fantasy upside.

Nov 13

Leody Taveras • CF • Orioles

Leody Taveras Joins Orioles on One-Year Deal

Free-agent outfielder Leody Taveras is signing with the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year, $2 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Taveras will be hoping to bounce back in 2026 in the American League East after hitting rock bottom this past season with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. In just 58 combined games with two teams, he hit .205/.226/.304 with a .530 OPS, three home runs, 17 RBI, 13 runs scored, nine stolen bases, and a 50:5 K:BB in 180 plate appearances. The 27-year-old Dominican brings versatility at all three outfield spots, but he'll strictly be outfield depth in Baltimore and will merely be battling to make the major-league roster out of spring training. Taveras has a lot to prove after once being a top prospect in the Rangers' system. Since debuting in the big leagues in 2020, he's hit .236 (418-for-1,769) with 41 homers, 177 RBI, and 75 steals in 533 games.

Nov 6

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Orioles Acquire Andrew Kittredge From the Cubs

The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Kittredge will return to Baltimore after opening the 2025 season with the O's. The 35-year-old veteran was traded from Baltimore to Chicago at the trade deadline over the summer. Now that he's back with the Orioles, the team will likely pick up his $9 million option for the 2026 season. Kittredge had a 3.45 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 32:8 K:BB in 31 1/3 relief innings in Baltimore before he was traded to the Cubbies, where he posted a 3.32 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, five saves, 32 strikeouts, and only three walks in 21 2/3 relief innings in the regular season. Right now, Kittredge could be the favorite for closing duties for the O's next season, although that could easily change after more moves are made this offseason.

Nov 4

Luis Vázquez • SS • Orioles

Orioles Re-Sign Luis Vazquez to One-Year Deal

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they re-signed infielder Luis Vazquez to an undisclosed one-year major-league contract for the 2026 season. Vazquez will return to Baltimore next year after playing in 32 games with the O's in his second major-league season. In 53 plate appearances with Baltimore, he went just 8-for-50 (.160) with his first career home run, three RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases. In his first MLB season the year prior with the Chicago Cubs, Vazquez went 1-for-12 with an RBI in just 11 games played. The Puerto Rican middle infielder looked better at the plate in his time at Triple-A Norfolk last year, but he'll be nothing more than infield depth for the O's in 2026 and will probably begin the regular season back in the minors.

Oct 30

Rico Garcia • RP • Orioles

Orioles Re-Sign Pitcher Rico Garcia to One-Year Deal

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they re-signed right-hander Rico Garcia to an undisclosed one-year major-league deal for the 2026 season. The Orioles will have Garcia back next year after he finished up the year strong with Baltimore, posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and six walks in 19 innings pitched over 20 appearances (one start). He also pitched with the New York Mets and New York Yankees in 2025, posting a combined 0-2 record, 3.15 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB in 34 1/3 big-league frames. The 31-year-old veteran will report to spring training next February, looking to win a middle-relief role for the O's out of spring training. Garcia is not on the fantasy radar at all and holds a career 5.27 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in his 70 big-league innings over five seasons.

Oct 30

Albert Suárez • SP • Orioles

Albert Suarez Diagnosed With Mild Flexor Strain

The Baltimore Orioles are saying that right-hander Albert Suarez (forearm) suffered a mild forearm flexor strain during his last appearance of the season on Sept. 14, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Suarez has continued his rehab into the winter, and the Orioles expect him to begin a throwing progression in the coming weeks. It was an injury-plagued year for the 36-year-old veteran Venezuelan hurler, as he only threw 11 2/3 innings for Baltimore. In his five outings (one start), Suarez was 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts. He missed most of the season with a right-shoulder injury. In his two seasons with the O's, Suarez has a combined 11-7 record, 3.59 ERA (4.07 FIP), a 1.27 WHIP, and a 118:45 K:BB in 145 1/3 innings over 37 outings (25 starts). It sounds like Suarez has a chance to be ready for spring training to give Baltimore flexibility between the rotation and bullpen.

Oct 11

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