Question: What do you think of these former Orioles returning: Shawn Armstrong, Seranthony Domínguez, Austin Hays, Ryan O’Hearn, Gregory Soto and Ramón Urías? From: Mark Cooper
Answer: Mark, I would be surprised if any of them returned. The least likely to come back would be Austin Hays. With the acquisition of Taylor Ward and still having Tyler O’Neill on the roster, the chances of Hays coming back seem unlikely.
I’d love to see Ryan O’Hearn back, but they already have a left-handed hitting first baseman in Samuel Basallo and, at least for the moment, Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle.
They do need a utility infielder, but Urías probably wants to play more than he would here if Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg are all healthy and productive.
Armstrong hasn’t pitched for the Orioles since 2021, and he was excellent for Texas this past season with a 4-3 record, 2.31 ERA and nine saves. If the report I read is true, and he’s seeking a two-year deal, he seems unlikely to get that at 35 from the Orioles.
I would also be surprised if there was interest in bringing bring Domínguez or Soto. Domínguez walked more than five batters per nine innings in 2025, and that’s unacceptable. While the Orioles could use another left-hander, Soto was ineffective with the Mets.
Question: Could Jeremiah Jackson end up being a victim of having options and thus not make the active roster to keep a player who might otherwise be claimed if they try to sneak that guy through waivers? From: Bill Connor
Answer: Bill, Jeremiah Jackson made a good impression on the Orioles in the last two months of the season. Yes, he’s valuable because he has options, but he’s hurt in possible competition for a roster spot because he’s played only third base and right field.
If Jordan Westburg is healthy, then Jackson won’t play third much. He could be an occasional designated hitter and rightfielder. Despite impressing the front office late last season, he’s not guaranteed to make the Opening Day roster, but I’ll surmise that he’ll often be with the Orioles during the season.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style