The Orioles have made a strategic move by claiming infielder Bryan Ramos off waivers from the Cardinals. This marks the second time this month that Baltimore has brought Ramos into the fold, showcasing their aggressive approach to managing roster depth. Previously, the Orioles had acquired Ramos from the White Sox, only to see him picked up by the Cardinals shortly after.
The Orioles have a knack for navigating waivers to bolster their non-roster depth, a strategy that’s on full display with Ramos. With Félix Bautista expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season, the Orioles could easily open up a 40-man roster spot by moving him to the 60-day injured list.
Ramos’ journey with Baltimore has been a rollercoaster. Initially, his path to playing time was blocked by a solid infield lineup featuring Jordan Westburg, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Pete Alonso.
However, early spring training injuries to Holliday and Westburg have reshuffled the deck. Holliday is sidelined with a hamate fracture, while Westburg is dealing with a partial UCL tear, leaving his return timeline uncertain.
These injuries have opened doors for other players. Coby Mayo might step in at third base, although his defensive skills there have been questioned, leading to more time at first base last year. Meanwhile, Blaze Alexander could transition from a bench role to a regular spot at second base.
Ramos, who is out of options, could provide valuable infield depth for the Orioles during this tumultuous period. While his recent performance in the minors has been lackluster, with a .228/.314/.392 line, his past success as a prospect offers a glimmer of hope. If he can seize this opportunity, Ramos could secure a spot on the Orioles’ bench, competing with the likes of Jeremiah Jackson and non-roster invitees such as Jose Barrero and Luis Vázquez.
Ramos’ potential to contribute is underscored by his earlier success with the White Sox, where he posted a promising .265/.346/.453 slash line. Despite his recent struggles, the Orioles are betting on his ability to rebound and provide much-needed depth in an injury-hit infield. If he can establish himself, Ramos could become a long-term asset for Baltimore, with six years of team control before free agency beckons.