BaltimoreBaseball.com
Total reads
85
This week
1
Rank
#279 of 466
Published
415 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
Reviewing a busy day of moves by the Orioles
Orioles front office Mike Elias and new GM Jared Banner kick off a roster overhaul before the Dec. 1 lockout. Highlights: the club declines Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 M option, lets outfielder Leody Taveras (56 RBIs) into free agency, and extended a $23.15 M qualifying offer to left‑hander Trevor Rogers, who must decide by Nov. 17. Prospects Heston Kjerstad, catcher Yohel Pozo and right‑hander Yosver Zueleta clear waivers and become free agents. Left‑hander Dietrich Enns takes a $125 K buyout. The 40‑man roster swells to 37 with four IL returns (Bradish, Helsley, O’Neill, Westburg) and four waiver acquisitions (Josh White, Philip Abner, Zach Morgan, Chase Hampton). With a thin free‑agent pool, Baltimore is set for a busy four‑week scramble.
Why don’t Orioles keep Albert Suárez? | MAILBAG
Mike Elias repeatedly cuts and re‑signs reliever Albert Suárez despite a 3‑0 record and 3.86 ERA because the Orioles anticipate no other team will claim him, making him a low‑cost, reliable bullpen arm. The puzzling waiver claim on outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who posted a .267 average and .841 OPS with six homers for the Mets in August, backfired, leaving Baltimore with a $5 million commitment for limited impact. The article also touches on Coby Mayo’s ability to hire private coaches during a lockout, noting that shorter spring training hampers position changes. Readers get inside the Orioles’ roster gambles and financial risks.
Orioles extend $23.15 million qualifying offer to Rogers
The Orioles have placed a $23.15 million qualifying offer on left‑hander Trevor Rogers, giving him until Nov. 17 to accept a one‑year deal. Rogers posted a 10‑11 record with a 4.03 ERA in 30 games this season after winning the 2025 Oriole MVP (9‑3, 1.81 ERA). If he declines, Baltimore will earn a compensation pick from his new team. The club also declined 2027 options on Ryan Mountcastle and Dietrich Enns and refreshed its 40‑man roster with Kyle Bradish, Ryan Helsley, Tyler O’Neill and Jordan Westburg.
Orioles cut ties with Heston Kjerstad, Ryan Mountcastle, Leody Taveras
The Orioles have cleared waivers on former No. 2 overall pick Heston Kjerstad, making him a free agent. Injuries have limited Kjerstad to just 117 games from 2023‑2026, where he posted a .217/.649 OPS line with 10 homers and 38 RBIs. After a 2024 helmet‑impact concussion, a slump to .192 in 2025, a demotion to Triple‑A Norfolk, and a hamstring strain that restricted him to 11 games in September 2026, Baltimore declined his role. The move follows the team's decision to pass on Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million contract.
Jeremiah Jackson’s uncertain place on ’27 Orioles
The Orioles are trimming their 40-man roster ahead of a possible lockout, and utility man Jeremiah Jackson’s future looks shaky. After a breakout stretch in August 2025, Jackson posted a .217/.247/.611 line in 2026 with 10 home runs, 45 RBIs, but also a league‑leading 10 errors at second and a 69‑strikeout, 10‑walk ratio. Injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg gave him playing time, yet a September 0‑for‑25 slump and a demotion to Triple‑A Norfolk in August raise doubts. With Holliday, Westburg, and versatile prospect Blaze Alexander expected back for 2027, Jackson may lose his roster spot despite his power potential.
Should Orioles try Mayo or Encarnacion-Strand in outfield? | MAILBAG
The blog tackles whether the Orioles should shift Coby Mayo or Christian Encarnación‑Strand to the outfield now that Jordan Westburg is back at third base. It notes past chatter about Mayo in the corners, but warns a possible lockout could truncate spring training, leaving little time for either player to master a new position. The piece also suggests Blaze Alexander could stay in the outfield, though his versatility makes him valuable in‑field. A separate Q&A comments on batting averages, highlighting the Brewers and Rays leading the league at .258 and explaining why composite stats matter more than average alone.
Orioles utility prospect Brandon Butterworth: ‘I love being on the field. I love being available’
Utility prospect Brandon Butterworth reflects on his whirlwind rise since the Orioles’ massive July 2025 trade that sent Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano to San Diego. The 5‑ft‑9, 30th‑ranked prospect moved from High‑A Fort Wayne (.267, 11 HR) to Double‑A Chesapeake and Triple‑A Norfolk, posting a .269/.875 OPS line in Double‑A and stealing 23 bases in 25 attempts. After a left‑knee injury, he spent the offseason with the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .186 with one homer in 16 games. Butterworth touts his six‑position versatility, praising the Orioles’ and other clubs’ coaching, and emphasizes his love for being on the field and ready to play any spot.
Orioles decline Robert’s 2027 option, remove Suárez from roster
On Halloween, the Orioles prune their 40-man roster, declining Luis Robert Jr.'s $20 million 2027 option and paying a $2 million buyout after his hamstring injury limited him to a 2‑for‑11 line with a homer and three RBIs. Right‑hander Albert Suárez (3‑0, 3.86 ERA, one save) and shortstop José Barrero also exit the roster, with Suárez likely to re‑sign on a minor‑league deal. Reliever Colin Selby and newcomer Codi Heuer clear waivers and head to Triple‑A Norfolk. The club now must reactivate Kyle Bradish, Ryan Helsley, Jordan Westburg and Tyler O’Neill from the 60‑day IL and decide on Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option and a qualifying offer for Trevor Rogers.
Orioles’ retention of Hinds begins offseason of unexpected moves
The Orioles surprise the offseason market by signing outfielder Rece Hinds to a 2027 major‑league contract, despite a .179 slash line in 12 games and a costly error in the season finale. Hinds, a former 49th‑overall pick who bounced from the Reds to the Marlins before landing in Baltimore, is out of options and must clear waivers to be sent down. The move underscores the O’s outfield depth concerns, with Luis Robert Jr. likely bought out and prospects like Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, and Leody Taveras still under contract. Manager Craig Albernaz highlighted a recent misplay blamed on Hinds not wearing sunglasses. The signing hints at scouting director Mike Elias betting on Hinds’ speed and past potential.
Orioles decline option on Eflin’s 2027 contract, sign Hinds to ’27 deal
The Orioles officially decline the mutual option on right‑hander Zach Eflin’s 2027 contract, ending a potential $25 million deal. Eflin, who underwent Tommy John surgery in April and was pulled after 3 2/3 innings in his first 2026 start, posted a 5‑2 record with a 2.60 ERA in nine starts after being acquired from Tampa Bay in July 2024. He struggled in 2025 with back surgery and a 5.93 ERA. Meanwhile, Baltimore signs outfielder Rece Hinds to a 2027 major‑league contract after purchasing him from the Marlins; he hit .179 in 12 games.
With World Series over, decision time is here for Orioles
After the World Series ends, the Orioles face a packed decision window. Four players—Keegan Akin, Chris Bassitt, Andrew Kittredge, and Trevor Rogers—file for free agency, while seven 60‑day IL members must be reinstated by Monday, forcing roster shuffles. The club is expected to decline Eflin’s $25 M option and Mountcastle’s $7.5 M option, and likely pass on Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 M buyout. Rodgers could receive a $23.15 M qualifying offer, with a potential three‑year, $64 M deal on the table. Arbitration talks involve Westburg, Bautista, Heuer, Suárez, Henderson, Cowser and Taveras, all heading toward a fast‑tracked offseason amid a looming lockout.
Should Oriole infielders switch positions? | MAILBAG
In a recent Q&A on BaltimoreBaseball.com, a fan asks whether Orioles infielders should reshuffle positions after an MLB Network analyst suggested Gunnar Henderson might be a better third baseman than shortstop. The responder argues against wholesale changes, recommending Henderson stay at shortstop, Jackson Holliday remain at second, and Jordan Westburg take third if healthy for the 2027 season. A second question addresses why left‑handed hitters like Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers struggle against left‑handed pitching, with the answer citing ball movement away from the hitter and limited early exposure to lefty arms. The post invites more Orioles‑related questions.
Orioles’ Helsley exercises $14 million option for 2027; Rogers, Bassitt, Akin, Kittredge declare free agency
Orioles closer Ryan Helsley activates his $14 million 2027 option after a limited 17‑game season marred by right elbow inflammation. The left‑hander posted a 0‑4 record, 4.11 ERA and eight saves in nine chances. He and Félix Bautista, fresh from rotator cuff and labrum surgery, are slated as the team's back‑end relievers next year. Meanwhile, left‑handed starter Trevor Rogers, right‑handed starter Chris Bassitt, reliever Andrew Kittredge and left‑handed reliever Keegan Akin have all entered free agency.
Banner will bring outside perspective to Orioles
Jared Banner steps in as the Baltimore Orioles' new general manager, bringing an outside perspective after years of internal promotions. In his inaugural press conference, Banner—known for his humor and brevity—explains he'll oversee players, coaches, development, and health, while President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias focuses on scouting and acquisitions. Elias praised Banner’s reputation and highlights a small yet growing front office, noting three assistant GMs and upcoming hires. Banner has already contacted manager Craig Albernaz, Cal Ripken Jr., and former stars Jim Palmer and Adam Jones, aiming to blend insights from his stints with the Red Sox, Cubs and Mets. Meanwhile, starter Chris Bassitt earns the MLBPA's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award.
Who’s the greatest utility player in Orioles’ history? | MAILBAG
The blog tackles the debate over the Orioles’ greatest utility player, highlighting Melvin Mora’s 2003 six‑position All‑Star season and his rise to third‑base legend, while noting Ryan Flaherty’s club‑record seven positions in 2016 despite a modest .215 average. Emerging talents like Blaze Alexander, who’s already covered six spots this year, are also mentioned, along with historical depth‑chart challenges faced by Chico Salmon in the early ’70s. A separate Q&A addresses why former O’s reliever Bryan Baker flourished as Tampa Bay’s closer after a pitch‑mix change, contrasting the O’s success with other revived arms such as Rico Garcia and Félix Bautista. Readers get a concise overview of past and present utility contributors and a glimpse into the Orioles’ reliever development.
Peter Schmuck: New Orioles GM brings an added voice and some breathing room for Mike Elias
In his introductory press conference on Oct. 28, new Orioles GM Jared Banner outlined a collaborative vision with President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias. Banner praised the franchise’s history, fan base, and talent depth, while acknowledging recent fan frustration and promising to build a winner. He and Elias detailed a clear split of duties: Banner will oversee internal players, coaching, performance and health, whereas Elias handles scouting, acquisitions and contracts. The duo also hinted at maintaining staff continuity and borrowing successful ideas from other midsize clubs, all while navigating an upcoming labor deadline.
Classic Orioles Card: Billy Ripken, 1989
Billy Ripken’s 1989 Fleer rookie card became an instant cult classic after a profanity scrawled on the bat’s knob slipped into the photo taken at Fenway in September 1988. Although Ripken once claimed a teammate pranked him, he later admitted he wrote the expletive himself and simply forgot it during the shoot. Fleer halted production, re‑photographed the card, and denied any deliberate release, while the controversy sent the card’s value soaring before crashing to bargain‑bin levels. The story still haunts the former Orioles infielder, who now jokes about it whenever he appears as a youth‑baseball organizer.
Orioles’ new GM Banner says he and Elias will have ‘some uncomfortable conversations’
New Orioles GM Jared Banner, a former Cubs assistant GM with stints at the Red Sox and Mets, meets with President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias to outline their partnership. Banner will oversee internal players, coaches, development, performance and health, while Elias focuses on scouting, acquisitions and contracts. Both acknowledge they’ll have “uncomfortable conversations” to drive improvement. Banner praised Baltimore’s fan base and ownership, and pledged commitment to turning recent losing seasons into a contender. He’s already engaged with Orioles legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Craig Albernaz and Jim Palmer.
Reviewing Orioles’ top 30 prospects
With new GM Jared Banner set to steer player development, Baltimore’s farm system is exploding. MLB.com now ranks the Orioles’ prospects seventh overall, while FanGraphs places them second behind only the Dodgers. Of the top 30 prospects, 17 were drafted by Baltimore, eight arrived via trades—including key pieces from the Rutschman deal—and five are international signees. Standouts include No. 1 prospect Eric Booth Jr. (7th overall 2026 draft), pitcher Joseph Dzierwa, and power hitter Aron Estrada, who’s slated for the 40‑man roster. The article details each prospect’s background, recent performances, and how recent trades and drafts have bolstered a system once ranked 13th pre‑season.
Can the Orioles rebound like the White Sox did? | MAILBAG
The blog compares the Orioles' recent resurgence to the White Sox’s rapid turnaround after back‑to‑back 100‑loss seasons. While Baltimore bounced back from a 110‑loss 2021 to a 101‑win AL East title in 2023, the White Sox vaulted into the 2026 playoffs thanks to a strong draft (Sean Burke, Davis Martin, Noah Schultz, Grant Taylor, Sam Antonacci, Colson Montgomery), a blockbuster trade with Boston that yielded Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery, and acquisitions like Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami. The article also addresses fan‑acknowledgment etiquette, noting that Orioles players still tip caps occasionally.
Orioles ‘wrecking crew’ hopes to hit more homers, win more games in 2027
After splurging on Pete Alonso with a five‑year, $155 million deal, the Orioles entered 2026 with a lineup Jeff Passan dubbed a "wrecking crew." Injuries and mid‑season trades derailed that promise: Jordan Westburg missed the year after Tommy John surgery, Taylor Ward produced just seven homers before his August trade, and Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday saw limited power. Only Alonso hit his projected 43 home runs, helping the club finish with 199 homers (tenth‑most in MLB). The article reviews the franchise’s historic swing‑for‑the‑fences philosophy, notes that power alone hasn’t guaranteed success, and looks ahead to 2027, highlighting emerging talent like Henderson, Mayo, Basallo and top prospects who could revive the long‑awaited power surge.
Did the Orioles make a mistake by trading Tyler Wells? | MAILBAG
The article examines the Orioles' August 3 trade of reliever Tyler Wells to a division rival for prospect Michael Forret. It notes the team was 54‑58 and 2½ games out of a wild‑card spot, finished 4½ games behind, and never led the majors in blown saves (they were 18th with 22). Wells posted a 1.50 ERA for Tampa Bay but missed the final two weeks with forearm tightness, casting doubt on his impact. Forret, ranked 10th in the Orioles' system, could start in 2027. The piece also touches on labor‑relation questions about small‑market success and future negotiations.
Looking back on the Orioles’ trade of Adley Rutschman
The article revisits the Orioles’ most controversial Mike Elias‑era trade: catcher Adley Rutschman’s August 3, 2026, deal to Boston. The Orioles sent Rutschman and Jake Rogers for Carlos Narváez and four top‑30 prospects (Anthony Eyanson, Enddy Azocar, Kyson Witherspoon, Harold Rivas). It outlines Rutschman’s rise—2022 rookie spark, 2023 All‑Star/Silver Slugger, 2024 All‑Star start—followed by injury‑plagued declines in 2024‑26, prompting the trade before free agency. In Boston, Rutschman hit .222 with five homers before another stint on the IL, while the Orioles now rely on Narváez, Sam Basallo and Yohel Pozo amid roster uncertainty. The piece weighs the trade’s short‑term fallout and long‑term evaluation.
Orioles infield coach Miguel Cairo on Gunnar Henderson: ‘I want to have 26 guys like that’
Orioles infield coach Miguel Cairo praises shortstop Gunnar Henderson as an “elite” player, saying he wants “26 guys like that.” Speaking at Yankee Stadium before a rain‑out on Sept. 27, Cairo highlighted Henderson’s work ethic, defensive instincts and winner’s mindset. He also noted the development of Coby Mayo at third base, Jackson Holliday’s rapid improvement after wrist surgeries, and Pete Alonso’s athletic gains at first. Cairo, a former 17‑year MLB player and interim manager for the Nationals, credited the team’s defensive progress and first‑year manager Craig Albernaz for overcoming early‑season injuries.
For starters, the Orioles need substantial improvement
The Orioles finished 79-82, ranking 17th in both win‑loss record and starter ERA (4.24) as the Rays and Brewers clash in the World Series. Their rotation allowed the second‑most hits (874) and issued the fifth‑most walks (321), while posting middle‑of‑the‑pack strikeout (760) and homer (112) numbers. Trevor Rogers slumped from a 1.81 ERA in 2025 to 4.03 this year and may receive a $23.15 million qualifying offer. Kyle Bradish, after a $90 million extension, ended the season 7‑14 with a 3.93 ERA and a sports‑hernia surgery. Shane Baz, despite a 6‑15 record, posted a 4.11 ERA in 31 starts with poor run support. Young improved dramatically, going 9‑6 with a 3.24 ERA. Veteran Chris Bassitt returned post‑back surgery with a 5‑1 run, but will likely miss 2027. With only eight true starters, Baltimore is eyeing free‑agent veterans and promoting prospects like Trey Gibson and Luis De León for 2027.
Displaying items 1-25 of 415 in total