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Orioles’ Alonso Silver Slugger finalist
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, who hit a league‑leading 43 homers and drove in 113 runs in his debut season with Baltimore, is a Silver Slugger finalist. He joins Boston’s Willson Contreras in the race and aims to repeat his 2025 win with the Mets, potentially becoming the fifth Oriole ever to claim the award. Alonso’s 43 home runs rank tied‑eighth in franchise history, and his RBI total is the best since Chris Davis’s 117 in 2015. The Silver Slugger winners will be announced on Nov. 17 after votes from MLB managers and coaches.
Reviewing market for Orioles’ free agents
Trevor Rogers tops the Orioles’ free‑agent list, drawing interest as a 29‑year‑old left‑hander ranked #2 by MLBTradeRumors and #3 by FanGraphs. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr., despite a hamstring injury after just three games, appears on several rankings and could fetch a one‑year deal worth $10.5‑$14 million, with the Padres, Reds or Royals as likely suitors. Veteran right‑hander Chris Bassitt (1‑5, 4.59 ERA) is undecided about returning amid a potential lockout starting Dec. 1. Reliever Andrew Kittredge, Zach Eflin, Keegan Akin, Ryan Mountcastle, Heston Kjerstad and others also hit free agency, though many face age or injury hurdles. The article breaks down each player’s recent stats, contract options and market outlook.
Would Orioles trade Henderson, Holliday or Cowser? | MAILBAG
In a November 5 Q&A, BaltimoreBaseball.com weighs the odds of the Orioles moving top prospects this offseason. Analyst Greg Fuchs says a Gunnar Henderson trade looks unlikely because it would be selling low, while Jackson Holliday could be dealt to acquire outfield or starting‑pitching help. Colton Cowser is valued more for defense, so a trade is less probable. The club’s priority is major‑league‑ready starters, outfielders, and backup catching. The article also explains that a qualifying offer to Trevor Rogers—$23.15 million for one year—is essentially a take‑or‑leave deal, though teams can still negotiate longer contracts before the November 17 deadline.
Orioles could face tough task in replacing Trevor Rogers
As free agency opens, the Orioles face a dilemma over left‑hander Trevor Rogers, whose qualifying offer expires Nov. 17. Predictions vary: MLBTradeRumors.com projects a five‑year, $115 M deal; FanGraphs sees a four‑year, $104 M contract; ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel expects four years, $76 M; The Athletic’s Jim Bowden predicts three years, $64 M. Rogers, 28, posted a 4.03 ERA in 30 starts (10‑11) in 2026 and boasts a 3.2 FanGraphs WAR, making him the second‑most coveted free agent after Tarik Skubal. Interest swirls from the Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants, White Sox, Mets, Braves, Twins and Padres, while Baltimore has offered only a qualifying deal. With a thin market, the Orioles must act fast to replace his 1.123 WHIP and low walk rates.
Bird Tapes Mini-Pod: What I Wrote on Deadline About the Jeffrey Maier Incident
The new Bird Tapes mini‑pod series launches with the author reading his original Baltimore Sun column on the infamous Jeffrey Maier incident from the 1996 ALCS Game 1. He recounts how a fan’s interference on a Jeter fly ball helped the Yankees win, a call that would likely be reversed today with replay. He parallels it to the 2026 ALCS replay overturn at Yankee Stadium, noting Baltimore fans’ resigned reaction. The post also highlights the author’s 23‑year legacy covering Orioles milestones and teases upcoming audio interviews with Orioles legends.
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.
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