The Orioles' roster shuffle continues to spin at full speed, and infielder Bryan Ramos is the latest casualty of the churn. Just days after being acquired from the White Sox for cash considerations, Ramos was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals, never even getting a chance to unpack in Baltimore. With spring training looming, the Orioles now have an open spot on their 40-man roster - and a few more questions to answer.
Ramos’ brief stop in Baltimore was cut short largely because of the team’s acquisition of Blaze Alexander. The Orioles traded for Alexander on Thursday, and that move may have effectively ended any real competition for a utility infield role before it even began. Alexander, who brings defensive versatility and a solid glove, may not light up the box score with power, but he’s already altering early roster projections.
Meanwhile, Weston Wilson - the infielder/outfielder who was designated for assignment to make room for Ramos - cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. So he stays in the organization, at least for now.
The Orioles are clearly trying to fine-tune the margins of their roster, and it's becoming clear that Alexander is a key part of that plan. He and outfielder Leody Taveras are both out of minor league options, which means they’d have to pass through waivers to be sent down - a risky proposition for players the Orioles just invested in.
Taveras, for instance, signed a $2 million deal this offseason. That’s not the kind of move you make if you’re planning to stash a guy in the minors.
So how does it all fit?
Assuming the Orioles carry 13 position players - the standard in today’s game - the math gets tight fast. Here’s a look at who’s currently in the mix:
Catchers:
- Adley Rutschman
- Samuel Basallo
Infielders:
- Pete Alonso
- Gunnar Henderson
- Jackson Holliday
- Jordan Westburg
- Ryan Mountcastle
- Coby Mayo
- Blaze Alexander
Outfielders:
- Taylor Ward
- Colton Cowser
- Tyler O’Neill
- Dylan Beavers
- Leody Taveras
That’s 14 names for 13 spots. Something’s got to give.
Jeremiah Jackson is notably absent from that list. He still has minor league options and is likely to see big league time at some point this season, especially considering the Orioles used a franchise-record 70 players last year.
But for Opening Day? He might be on the outside looking in.
Then there’s Heston Kjerstad. After being shut down last summer, he’s expected to be full-go this spring. But unless there’s an injury or a trade, it’s hard to see a clear path for him to break camp with the big club.
Carrying three catchers doesn’t seem feasible either, not with the current roster construction. If Basallo is going to make the team, it might be as a designated hitter - a role he could thrive in, but one that also limits flexibility elsewhere.
The bench situation is fluid. In one projection submitted to a national outlet back in December, the bench included Taveras, Beavers, Mountcastle and Mayo - with O’Neill in right field and Basallo as the DH. That scenario worked then, but Alexander’s arrival complicates things.
And don’t forget about the bullpen. Kade Strowd, who impressed as a rookie with a 1.71 ERA in 25 appearances, was part of that December projection too.
He finished strong, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 15 in 9 1/3 innings in September. He was slotted in alongside Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Yennier Cano, Tyler Wells, Albert Suárez, Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns.
But the bullpen picture is just as crowded as the lineup. Rico Garcia was originally projected to make the team, but after the Orioles re-signed Zach Eflin, Wells was bumped from the rotation and Garcia from the bullpen.
Still, Garcia remains a viable option, and the Orioles have a surplus of right-handed arms to choose from - Colin Selby, José Espada, Yaramil Hiraldo, Anthony Nunez, Chayce McDermott, and Cameron Foster are all in the mix. Brandon Young could also be a factor, though he’s more likely to begin the year in the Triple-A rotation.
Speaking of the rotation, it’s not quite set in stone either. Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, and Dean Kremer are penciled in, with Eflin joining them if he’s healthy after undergoing back surgery last August.
If the Orioles add another arm - someone like Zac Gallen or a veteran starter to shore up the back end - it could create a logjam, especially if Eflin is ready to go. Cade Povich is another name to watch; he’s on the radar but likely starts the season in Norfolk.
All of this points to one undeniable truth: the Orioles aren’t done yet. Executive VP and GM Mike Elias has shown he’s not afraid to make moves late in the offseason, and another bullpen tweak feels likely. The rotation needs clarity, the bench needs trimming, and the utility role - once an afterthought - is suddenly a focal point.
Spring training is just around the corner, and with it comes answers. For now, though, the Orioles’ roster is a puzzle with a few too many pieces.