Orioles General Manager Mike Elias recently emphasized the club's aggressive stance on bolstering their pitching staff. Elias stated that the Orioles are "in on everybody" and won't let a player having a qualifying offer attached prevent pursuit. This determination comes as the Orioles face the potential departure of Corbin Burnes, who was acquired last spring but is now a free agent.


The current rotation includes Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodríguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suáez, and Trevor Rogers. However, with the top free agents like Burnes, Max Fried, Roki Sasaki, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, and Nathan Eovaldi still available, the Orioles are exploring all options.


Elias' commitment to improving the rotation also extends to trade candidates such as Garrett Crochet, Jesus Luzardo, and potentially Sonny Gray if made available. The Orioles are determined to make significant moves to strengthen their pitching staff and remain competitive.

The Baltimore Orioles have added veteran catcher Gary Sanchez to their roster with a one-year, $8.5 million contract. Sanchez, who spent the 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, will serve as the backup catcher to Adley Rutschman and also contribute as a designated hitter.

Sanchez, known for his power-hitting capabilities, posted an impressive 11 home runs in 89 games last season. Despite some struggles with consistency, his experience and veteran presence are expected to bolster the Orioles' lineup.

​Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report the signing. This move is part of the Orioles' strategy to strengthen their roster as they aim for a successful season in 2025.

The Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement with outfielder Tyler O’Neill on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal, which includes an opt-out opportunity after the 2025 season, marks a significant addition to the Orioles' roster.


O’Neill, who will turn 30 in June, began his walk year with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Boston Red Sox. Despite a stellar 2021 season in St. Louis that earned him MVP consideration, O’Neill struggled with injuries and performance consistency, leading to back-to-back down seasons. However, he found a regular role with the Red Sox in 2024, delivering a strong performance when healthy. Over 113 games, he posted a .241/.336/.511 slash line with 31 home runs, a 131 wRC+, and an 11.2% walk rate, despite a high 33.6% strikeout rate.

While O’Neill has shown impressive power and patience at the plate, his high strikeout rate and significant platoon splits are concerns. He excelled against left-handed pitchers with a 215 wRC+, but struggled against right-handers, posting a 91 wRC+ and a .208/.290/.403 line. Additionally, his lengthy injury history could impact his long-term value.

​Nevertheless, O’Neill’s fit with the Orioles is promising. Baltimore’s deep position player mix can provide coverage during any of O’Neill’s potential absences and allow for strategic rest days against challenging right-handed pitchers.

In a recent move, the Baltimore Orioles announced that right-hander Thaddeus Ward has cleared outright waivers and has been reassigned to Triple-A Norfolk. This development comes without prior notice that he had been removed from the Orioles' 40-man roster, which now stands at 37.

Ward, who will turn 28 in January, has not yet pitched for the Orioles. The team claimed him off waivers from the Washington Nationals in early November. However, his tenure on the Orioles' roster was short-lived, as he has now been bumped from his spot just over a month later.

Ward's journey in professional baseball began as a notable prospect within the Boston Red Sox organization. Despite his potential, he was left unprotected in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft, allowing the Nationals to select him. During his time with the Nationals in the 2023 season, Ward struggled to find his footing, posting a 6.37 earned run average over 26 relief appearances. Nevertheless, the Nationals were in a rebuilding phase and were likely content to endure Ward's subpar performance to secure his full rights.

​This latest transaction signifies a continued period of uncertainty for Ward, as he seeks to reestablish himself and regain a stable position within a major league roster. For the Orioles, this move provides flexibility as they continue to shape their roster heading into the new season.

The Baltimore Orioles have announced the signing of infielder Franklin Barreto to a minor league contract. It remains unclear whether the deal includes an invitation to big league Spring Training next year.

Barreto's Early Career and Rise in Prospect Ranks
Barreto, 28, began his professional career with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing as an amateur out of Venezuela and making his pro debut in 2013. He quickly ascended the prospect rankings and was a consensus top-100 prospect by the time the Blue Jays traded him to the Oakland Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade in 2015. Barreto maintained his top-100 prospect status for several years despite a decline in his offensive numbers upon reaching the upper minors.

Performance in the Minors
In 2016, Barreto posted a solid .281/.340/.413 slash line at the Double-A level, earning a promotion to Triple-A. However, his performance at Triple-A in 2017 did not meet expectations, with a .290/.339/.456 line that was only slightly above league average. His high strikeout rate and reliance on an unsustainable batting average on balls in play (BABIP) raised concerns about his ability to succeed at the major league level.

Major League Struggles
Barreto made his major league debut with the Athletics in 2017, but struggled with a .197/.250/.352 line and a 43.4% strikeout rate in 76 plate appearances. In 2018, he showed some improvement, hitting .233/.253/.493 in 75 plate appearances, though his high strikeout rate and low walk rate indicated ongoing issues with plate discipline.

Subsequent Moves and Current Status
Barreto's struggles continued over the next two years, leading to his trade to the Los Angeles Angels in 2020. His brief stint with the Angels was similarly unproductive, with a .118/.167/.118 line in 18 plate appearances. Since then, Barreto has spent time with the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals organizations on minor league deals before playing for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Mexican League earlier this year.

​As Barreto joins the Orioles, he brings experience and a versatile infield option, looking to reignite his career and potentially make an impact at the major league level.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves are among the teams expressing interest in free agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Eovaldi's Fit and Performance
Eovaldi, who will turn 35 in February, is a viable option for many teams despite his age and injury history. He is unlikely to secure a long-term contract due to his medical background, which includes two Tommy John surgeries. However, Eovaldi's consistent performance in recent years keeps him in high demand. MLB Trade Rumors has projected him to receive a $44 million guarantee on a two-year deal, with the possibility of a third year.

Over the past five years, Eovaldi has made 115 starts, posting a 3.75 ERA. His annual ERA has never exceeded 3.87 during this period. His strikeout rates have ranged from 22.4% to 26.1%, his walk rates from 3.5% to 8.1%, and his ground ball rates from 42% to 51%. Overall, he has pitched 654 2/3 innings with a 24% strikeout rate, a 5.6% walk rate, and a 46.9% ground ball rate. Such consistent performance would enhance any team's rotation.

Suitors and Market Competition
Many teams, including the Texas Rangers, have shown interest in bringing Eovaldi on board. He has also been linked to the Braves, the Boston Red Sox, and now the Orioles. Given his performance and relatively affordable contract, it's likely that several other clubs are also eyeing Eovaldi, even if they haven't been publicly reported.

Baltimore's Rotation Needs
For the Orioles, Eovaldi represents a logical fit due to their rotation needs. With their 2024 ace Corbin Burnes now a free agent and injuries sidelining Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells for part of the 2025 season, the Orioles need to bolster their starting pitching. Trade deadline acquisition Trevor Rogers struggled and was demoted, leaving the rotation core consisting of Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. Albert Suárez, despite a solid year in a swing role, may be better suited as a depth option. Rookie pitchers Chayce McDermott and Cade Povich made their debuts in 2024 but have yet to establish themselves fully.

​Adding Eovaldi could provide the Orioles with the stability and experience they need to strengthen their rotation and make a playoff push.

The Baltimore Orioles have solidified their coaching lineup for the 2025 season, announcing on Monday that former big league catcher Robinson Chirinos has been appointed as their new bench coach. Chirinos, who retired as a player in May 2023, joins the Orioles' staff for his first professional coaching role.

Robinson Chirinos: From Player to Coach
At 40 years old, Chirinos embarks on his new journey in professional baseball. He was often seen as a future managerial candidate during his playing career, making this transition a natural progression. The Orioles were also reportedly interested in former Cubs skipper David Ross for the bench coach position, though it's unclear if Ross was formally approached or showed mutual interest. Moving forward, the Orioles have placed their confidence in Chirinos to take on this critical role.

Adding Depth with Buck Britton
Baltimore also announced the addition of Triple-A manager Buck Britton to the major league coaching staff, where he will serve with the broad title of “major league coach.” This move brings additional experience and leadership to the team as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Chirinos' Playing Career and Legacy
Chirinos concluded his playing career with the Orioles in 2022, participating in 67 games and posting a .179/.265/.287 batting line in his age-38 season. Despite the struggles of his final year, Chirinos enjoyed a productive peak period from 2014-21, hitting .232/.327/.438 with a 104 wRC+ over 2147 plate appearances. Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Rangers, Astros, Rays, Cubs, Orioles, and Mets, earning a reputation as a dependable catcher with solid offensive contributions.

​The Orioles' decision to bring in Chirinos and Britton reflects their commitment to leveraging experienced and knowledgeable professionals to guide their players. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these new coaches begin to make their mark on the team.

The Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in catcher Elias Diaz, according to a report by Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com.Diaz, who earned All-Star honors in 2023 following a strong start to the season, has largely been a below-average offensive performer throughout his 10-year MLB career. However, his defensive capabilities have generally been solid, making him a valuable asset behind the plate.

Diaz's 2024 Performance
In the 2024 season, Diaz posted a .265/.313/.382 slash line over 351 plate appearances. He began the year with the Colorado Rockies before being released and subsequently picked up by the San Diego Padres in August. Despite his offensive struggles, Diaz's defensive metrics have continued to be reliable, which is a key factor for teams looking to bolster their catching depth.

Career Overview
Diaz has had a journeyman career in the major leagues, showcasing sporadic offensive success but consistently delivering defensively. His ability to handle a pitching staff and his solid defensive skills make him an attractive target for the Orioles as they look to strengthen their roster.

Orioles' Offseason Strategy
​The Orioles' interest in Diaz indicates their desire to add experienced depth to their catching position. With his combination of defensive prowess and occasional offensive bursts, Diaz could provide a steady presence behind the plate. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Orioles navigate their roster adjustments and whether Diaz becomes a part of their plans for the 2025 season.

The Baltimore Orioles have lost two key players to free agency as both Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander declined their respective qualifying offers. Both players are expected to command lucrative multi-year deals on the open market.

By rejecting the qualifying offers, the Orioles will receive draft-pick compensation if either player signs with another team. This provides the team with additional assets to bolster their roster, despite the loss of two crucial contributors.

Burnes, a dominant right-hander, was a key acquisition for the Orioles last season. His ability to strike out batters and limit walks made him one of the most coveted pitchers on the free-agent market. Santander, a powerful outfielder, was a consistent offensive force for Baltimore, providing much-needed right-handed power to the lineup.

​The Orioles are now faced with the challenge of filling the voids left by Burnes and Santander. The team will likely explore both free agency and trade options to address their needs. While the loss of these two stars is significant, the Orioles have shown a commitment to building a competitive team and should have the resources to make impactful moves in the offseason.

The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their roster by adding right-handers Kade Strowd and Brandon Young, ensuring they are protected from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. This move brings the Orioles' 40-man roster count to 39.

Kade Strowd, a 27-year-old right-hander, was a 12th-round pick by the Orioles in 2019. Over the past two years, Strowd has recorded 106 2/3 innings in the minors, posting a 5.32 ERA. Known for his strikeout ability and ground ball tendencies, he has an impressive 28.4% strikeout rate, although his 12.3% walk rate is a concern. Despite this, his potential to get grounders on more than half of balls in play makes him a valuable asset.

Brandon Young, 26, signed with the Orioles as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He faced challenges with elbow surgery that sidelined him for parts of 2022 and 2023 but rebounded this year. Young pitched 111 innings across 27 appearances in Double-A and Triple-A, achieving a combined 3.57 ERA. He impressed with a 28.5% strikeout rate and a commendable 8% walk rate.

Both Strowd and Young have reached Triple-A, providing immediate depth for the Orioles in 2025. Strowd is expected to bolster the bullpen, while Young could play a key role in the starting rotation. The Orioles' starting staff recently lost Corbin Burnes to free agency, and with Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells starting the season on the injured list, these additions are timely.

By securing Strowd and Young, the Orioles aim to retain their emerging talents and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. These moves reflect the club's strategic planning as they continue to build a competitive team for the future.

​Fans will be eager to see how these players develop and contribute at the major league level.

On Friday, Orioles general manager Mike Elias announced that the team will adjust the left-field wall at Camden Yards ahead of the 2025 season. This change aims to correct issues stemming from the decision to push the wall back before the 2022 campaign. Elias described the latest decision as an effort to find a "happier medium," acknowledging that the new wall won’t be as shallow as the original configuration but also not as deep as the current setup.

The redesigned wall will still start at the previous 333-foot mark, just right of the left-field foul pole, and move back at an angle to the 373-foot crevice. However, beyond that point, the wall will be pulled in at varying distances between 9 and 20 feet. Instead of the former 384 and 398-foot depths, the deepest parts will now be 374 and 376 feet. Additionally, the wall’s height will be reduced from 13 feet to 8 feet in some areas and 6 feet, 11 inches in others.

No seating will be affected, and no new seats will be added between the two walls. The only new structure occupying that gap will be a raised platform for “Mr. Splash,” the Orioles’ chief hydration officer, who sprays fans in Section 86 with a hose as part of the “Bird Bath” area.

“Our hope is that by pulling the dimensions in a little bit—some areas as much as 20 feet, others more like 11 feet, and as little as 9 feet—we will achieve a neutral playing environment. This will support a balanced style of play at a park that was overly homer-friendly before our changes in 2022. It’s now a little overly skewed given what we did back then,” Elias explained.

Camden Yards was known as a hitters’ paradise from its opening in 1992 until the original dimensions were changed in 2021. No MLB ballpark saw more home runs than the 1,140 hit at Camden from 2017-21. Statcast data reveals that 196 home runs hit at Camden Yards from 2018-21 would not have cleared the fences with the dimensions used from 2022 through 2024.

While the Orioles sought a more pitcher-friendly ballpark, the results were more extreme than anticipated. Statcast reports that 138 home runs were lost over the past three seasons—72 by Orioles players and 65 by opponents. Many fly balls hit to left field at Camden Yards during this period would have been home runs in every other MLB ballpark, with social media often highlighting those that would have cleared the fence at 29 of the 30 parks—everywhere except Baltimore.

​As the Orioles look to achieve a more balanced playing environment, fans can anticipate a different dynamic at Camden Yards in the 2025 season.