Could a Reunion with Austin Slater Be a Smart Depth Move for the Orioles?
The Baltimore Orioles have no shortage of outfield talent heading into 2026, but that doesn’t mean they should slam the door shut on adding another name to the mix-especially when that name is Austin Slater.
Slater, a right-handed bat with a track record of punishing left-handed pitching, has history with Baltimore. He spent a short stint with the club in 2024 and also shares a past with new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz from their time together in San Francisco.
While Albernaz was the Giants’ bullpen and catching coach from 2020 to 2023, Slater was in the midst of his most productive seasons. The two didn’t work side-by-side daily, but Albernaz had a front-row seat to what Slater can do when he’s locked in-especially in a platoon role.
Slater’s Skillset: Still Worth a Look?
At 33, Slater isn’t the same player who posted a .252/.344/.416 slash line across 2021 and 2022 with the Giants, but his career splits still tell a compelling story. He’s slashed .267/.357/.430 overall against left-handed pitching, and that kind of production from the right side is always valuable-especially in a bench or platoon role.
His time in Baltimore back in 2024 was brief but respectable. In 33 games, he hit .246 with a .342 OBP and chipped in a homer and six RBIs.
Not eye-popping numbers, but certainly serviceable for a player filling a specific role. Last season wasn’t as kind to him, as he struggled to find his rhythm while splitting time between the White Sox and Yankees.
But a familiar face in the dugout-like Albernaz-could be the spark he needs to rediscover some of that earlier form.
Where Would He Fit in a Crowded Outfield?
Let’s be clear: the Orioles aren’t hurting for outfielders. After acquiring Taylor Ward, Baltimore appears set to roll with Colton Cowser in center, with Tyler O’Neill and Leody Taveras offering versatility across all three spots. Jorge Mateo’s utility role also gives the team added flexibility in the outfield.
But here’s the thing-depth wins seasons, and you can never have too many capable bats on standby. Slater wouldn’t be expected to carry the load. He’d be a specialist-someone who can give you quality at-bats against tough lefties, come off the bench late in games, and provide a veteran presence in a young, evolving clubhouse.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Spring Invite?
There’s little downside in offering Slater a minor league deal with a spring training invite. If he shows up in Sarasota swinging a hot bat, he could carve out a role as a platoon option in a corner outfield spot or as a bench piece who gives manager Craig Albernaz another tactical tool. If not, the Orioles aren’t out much.
Baltimore’s outfield picture may look crowded on paper, but seasons are long, injuries happen, and matchups matter. Bringing in someone like Slater-who knows the organization, knows the manager, and has a clear skill set-is the kind of smart, under-the-radar move that good front offices make.
And who knows? Maybe that reunion turns into a spark for both player and team.