Albert Suárez, the right-hander with a wealth of international experience, is currently making waves in the Orioles' spring camp on a minor league deal. As spring training winds down, Suárez faces a pivotal decision: he can opt out if he's not added to the major league roster. With teams closely monitoring his status, it's clear he's on the radar.
Suárez, now 36, spent several years honing his craft in Japan and Korea before making a splash back in MLB in 2024 with the Orioles. That season, he delivered his most impressive big league performance, pitching 133 2/3 innings in a versatile swing role. Whether starting or relieving, he maintained a solid 3.70 ERA, complemented by a 19.1% strikeout rate and a 7.6% walk rate.
However, last year was a different story. Injuries, including a subscapularis strain and a mild flexor strain, limited him to just five appearances. After being non-tendered, he returned to the Orioles on a minor league deal, but his spring training numbers have been less than stellar, with a 7.59 ERA in four outings.
The path to a roster spot isn't straightforward. The Orioles' rotation is packed with talent like Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, Zach Eflin, and Dean Kremer. While Kremer could be optioned, it's unlikely given his consistent presence in the rotation over the years.
With those six likely secured, the Orioles have room for seven more pitchers under the roster limit of 13. Ryan Helsley, Keegan Akin, Dietrich Enns, and Rico Garcia can't be optioned, while Yennier Cano and Tyler Wells are considered roster locks. Grant Wolfram is also a strong candidate for a spot.
This leaves Jackson Kowar in a precarious position. Despite his high velocity, he hasn't translated it into success, posting an 8.21 ERA in his big league innings.
If a spot opens, perhaps due to Eflin needing an IL stint-though he's trending towards being healthy-it could be a toss-up between Suárez and Kowar. José Espada and Yaramil Hiraldo are also in the mix, but their limited experience and option flexibility might keep them in the minors to preserve depth.
With decisions looming and less than a week of camp left, the Orioles have some tough calls to make. Depending on how the roster shakes out, Suárez might find himself exploring opportunities elsewhere through his opt-out, while Kowar could face waivers. It's a high-stakes moment for both pitchers as they look to secure their spots in the majors.