The Orioles are bringing back a familiar face - and a valuable arm - as they continue shaping their 2026 roster. Right-hander Albert Suárez, who was non-tendered just a few weeks ago, is staying in the organization on a minor league deal. He’ll report to spring training with a shot to reclaim a spot in the bullpen, likely in a swingman or long-relief role.
Suárez’s 2024 season was one of the more underrated storylines in Baltimore. After a seven-year absence from the majors, he returned and delivered a steady 3.70 ERA across 32 appearances, including 24 starts.
His ability to eat innings and bridge the gap between the rotation and bullpen made him a key piece of the pitching staff. But 2025 didn’t start the way anyone hoped.
Suárez injured his shoulder during his first outing of the season - March 28 in Toronto - and didn’t return until September, when rosters expanded. He made four appearances before being shut down again, this time with a mild forearm flexor strain.
The good news? October brought some encouraging signs.
Dr. Keith Meister examined Suárez and cleared him of any major issues, giving the Orioles enough confidence to keep the door open.
He was the only player Baltimore non-tendered at the arbitration deadline, and while he’ll be on a minor league deal this time around, the bullpen picture is still fluid enough for him to compete for a role.
Suárez earned $825,000 last season, and while he’ll have to work his way back onto the big league roster, there’s a path for him. The Orioles recently made a splash by signing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal with an opt-out.
They also brought back Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs in a cash deal. But beyond those moves, the bullpen has some open competition - and Suárez could be right in the thick of it if he’s healthy.
It wasn’t just Suárez making headlines for the Orioles today. The club also announced several roster moves that speak to the ongoing depth-building effort.
Infielder Willy Vasquez has signed a minor league deal and will be in camp this spring. The 24-year-old right-handed hitter comes over from the Rays system, where he reached Double-A last season.
Vasquez has primarily played third base but has logged innings at second, shortstop, and even right field. He’s a career .246/.308/.382 hitter across 420 minor league games - not eye-popping numbers, but his versatility gives him a shot to stick.
Meanwhile, the catching carousel continues in Baltimore. Catcher Maverick Handley cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk.
On the flip side, catcher Drew Romo was claimed off waivers by the Mets. Romo had only just joined the Orioles on Dec. 5 via a waiver claim from the Rockies, but his stay was short-lived.
Handley, who was one of a franchise-record seven catchers used by the Orioles last season, struggled at the plate - going just 3-for-41 with three RBIs. More concerning, opposing baserunners went a perfect 13-for-13 stealing against him. Still, with the Orioles potentially eyeing a three-catcher setup on Opening Day, Handley’s presence in Norfolk could keep him in the conversation - even if it’s as a depth option.
These moves were set in motion by the Orioles’ recent 40-man roster shuffle. To claim lefty Josh Walker off waivers, they designated Romo for assignment on Dec.
- The next day, Handley was DFA’d to make room for perhaps the most significant addition of the offseason: first baseman Pete Alonso.
Alonso’s arrival is a franchise-defining move, and it’s already rippling through the roster. With Adley Rutschman and top prospect Samuel Basallo the only catchers currently on the 40-man, president of baseball operations and GM Mike Elias is expected to keep searching for another backstop - likely a veteran who can handle a backup or depth role.
For now, the Orioles are playing the long game - building out the fringes of the roster while keeping an eye on health, versatility, and value. Suárez’s return is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.
Vasquez adds infield depth with positional flexibility. And the catching situation remains fluid, with more moves likely on the horizon.
It’s not the headline-grabbing part of the offseason, but these are the types of decisions that can shape a roster come August. The Orioles are staying active - and strategic - as they prepare for 2026.