The Orioles are making it clear they still see room for a versatile infielder on their roster, and they just made a move that backs up that belief.
Baltimore has acquired Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for reliever Kade Strowd, minor league right-hander Wellington Aracena, and infielder José Mejia. It’s a deal that adds flexibility to the Orioles’ infield mix - and potentially their outfield as well - while costing them a promising bullpen arm and a pair of intriguing young prospects.
Alexander, 26, brings a utility profile that fits the modern game. Drafted in the 11th round back in 2018 out of IMG Academy in Florida, he’s logged time at third base, shortstop, and second base, while also making 13 professional starts in center field. That kind of versatility is exactly what teams crave, especially in a roster crunch.
With spring training just around the corner, the Orioles’ infield picture is crowded - and competitive. Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are both in the mix at first base, while Pete Alonso headlines the position after being acquired earlier this offseason.
The rest of the infield includes Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Jordan Westburg, all of whom figure prominently in the club’s long-term plans. Jeremiah Jackson is also expected to get a look at multiple positions this spring, and non-roster invites Luis Vázquez and Payton Eeles will be trying to make their case as well.
So where does Alexander fit? Well, the fact that he’s out of minor league options gives him a leg up. The Orioles can’t stash him in Triple-A without exposing him to waivers, which makes it more likely he breaks camp with the big league club - especially given what Baltimore gave up to get him.
Alexander’s bat hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet, but he’s shown flashes. Over the past two seasons with Arizona, he’s hit .237/.322/.366 across 135 games.
Last year, he appeared in 74 games and posted a .230/.323/.383 line, with 12 doubles, a triple, and seven home runs. Those numbers won’t jump off the page, but when paired with his defensive versatility, they’re enough to keep him in the mix - particularly for a team looking to round out its bench with multi-position players.
Of course, the Orioles had to give up some real value to make this happen.
Kade Strowd, who made his big league debut last season, was shaping up to be a legitimate bullpen option this spring. He posted a 1.71 ERA across 25 appearances, allowing just one home run in 26 1/3 innings. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t go unnoticed, and his departure opens up a spot in what’s already a competitive bullpen picture.
Don’t be surprised if Mike Elias, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations and general manager, makes another move to reinforce the bullpen before Opening Day. For now, though, the departure of Strowd slightly thins the competition.
The trade also sends two young prospects to Arizona. Wellington Aracena, 21, came over from the Mets in last year’s Gregory Soto deal and was ranked as the No. 23 prospect in Baltimore’s system by Baseball America.
He posted a 2.35 ERA and 1.087 WHIP in five starts with High-A Aberdeen, showing swing-and-miss stuff (9.4 K/9) but also some control issues (5.9 BB/9). There’s upside here, but he’s still a ways from the majors.
José Mejia, 20, adds another developmental piece to the deal. In 103 minor league games, including 47 in the Florida Complex League last season, he’s hit .292/.422/.407. That on-base percentage pops - and suggests a patient approach at the plate that could serve him well as he climbs the ladder.
For the Orioles, this move is about adding depth and flexibility to a roster that’s already brimming with young talent. Alexander may not be a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly make a difference over a long season - especially if he can hold his own at the plate and continue to move around the diamond.
And for a team with postseason aspirations, every bit of roster versatility matters.