The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the more active teams this offseason, making aggressive moves to bolster both their lineup and pitching staff. With big-name additions like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward already in the fold, the core of the batting order looks just about locked in.
But in the grind of a 162-game season, depth isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. And the Orioles just made a low-key move that could pay off in the margins.
Baltimore has claimed utilityman Weston Wilson off waivers, adding a versatile veteran to the big league roster. To make room, the club designated left-handed pitcher Jose Suarez for assignment.
Wilson, 31, comes over after being let go by the Phillies following their signing of J.T. Realmuto. He didn’t clear waivers, and the Orioles pounced, bringing in a player who can plug in just about anywhere on the field.
While Wilson isn’t a headline-grabber like Alonso, there’s value in what he brings. He’s played parts of three seasons in the majors, all with Philadelphia, and made a memorable first impression - homering in his very first big league at-bat. Over 100 games in the majors, he’s posted a 0.4 bWAR, showing flashes of utility value.
His most recent season was a bit of a mixed bag. In 52 games, Wilson hit just .198 with a .652 OPS.
But rewind to 2024, and there’s a different story: a .284 average and an .836 OPS in 40 games. That kind of production, even in a small sample, shows the potential for him to contribute in spurts - especially if he’s used strategically against left-handed pitching or in matchup-based roles.
Defensively, Wilson offers flexibility. He’s capable of handling both infield and outfield duties, giving manager Brandon Hyde another chess piece to work with. Whether it’s spelling starters, filling in during injuries, or providing a right-handed bat off the bench, Wilson fits the mold of a depth piece who can quietly make a difference over the long haul.
No, this isn’t the kind of move that shifts the balance of power in the AL East. But for a team with postseason ambitions, adding a versatile, experienced player like Wilson is the kind of under-the-radar move that helps keep a roster steady when the inevitable bumps in the road come. The Orioles have done the heavy lifting this offseason - now they’re fine-tuning, and Wilson is part of that process.