The main event this week for the Orioles was Craig Albernaz’s introductory press conference as manager, complete with his 2-year-old daughter Gigi serving as his comedic sidekick. But there was plenty of other news as the Orioles began constructing their team for 2026.
Free agents leaving
The departures of starters Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano and catcher Gary Sánchez were expected. Although there’s been some chatter about Eflin possibly returning, the length of his recovery from August back surgery is uncertain, and the Orioles probably will pursue starters who can be ready to begin spring training.
Arbitration list falls by 2
The Orioles had 14 players eligible for arbitration, but two left the team on Friday.
Outfielder Dylan Carlson refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and is a free agent, and left-hander José Castillo, who had a 2.45 ERA in five September games, was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.
Castillo, who’s listed at 6-feet-6, 252 pounds, said he was given the name “Big Dude” when he was with the San Diego Padres by relievers Kirby Yates and Craig Stammen, who was the surprise choice to manage San Diego.
What’s next for those eligible for arbitration?
Most of the 12 players who are eligible for arbitration are certain to be offered a contract. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, left-handed starter Trevor Rogers, right-handers Félix Bautista, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez and Tyler Wells, left-hander Keegan Akin are locks. Catcher Alex Jackson also is likely to be back, but right-hander Yennier Cano and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle might not return in 2026.
The Orioles have until 8 p.m. on November 21st to offer contracts to those eligible for arbitration.
More about Thursday’s moves
Jorge Mateo, who played 150 games in 2022 and was the Orioles’ shortstop that year, is a free agent because the team did not exercise its $5.5 million option for 2026. That move was expected.
The highlight of Mateo’s Orioles career was his start to the 2023 season when he hit .347 with a 1.062 OPS, 6 home runs, 17 RBIs and 10 steals through April 30th.
After that, Mateo had only one home run, an inside-the-parker in Oakland, and 17 RBIs for the rest of the season. He finished with a .217 average and .607 OPS.
The Orioles designated right-hander Carson Ragsdale and left-hander Josh Walker for assignment. Walker was signed to a 2026 major league contract on Tuesday, and the Orioles hope that contract helps him clear waivers so they can have him back in the organization.
The waiver wires are flooded with players, making it easier to sneak vulnerable players through.
Reliever Shawn Dubin, who had a 3.38 ERA in seven games, cleared outright waivers, was assigned to Norfolk and is a minor league free agent.
Outfielder Daniel Johnson elected free agency instead of accepting an assignment to Norfolk after he cleared waivers.
Bautista, who is unlikely to pitch in 2026, and right-handers Grayson Rodriguez and Brandon Young were reinstated from the 60-day injured list and are back on the 40-man roster. Bautista will return to the 60-day IL during spring training.
Adding outfielders
On Thursday, the Orioles signed switch-hitting outfielder Leody Taveras for a reported $2 million and claimed outfielder Pedro Léon off waivers from Houston.
Taveras had a fine year for Texas in 2023 when he hit .266 with a .733 OPS, had 14 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 18 tries.
By last year, he slumped to .205 and moved on to Seattle on May 6th. After going 1-for-25 in his last eight games, Taveras was in Triple-A and didn’t play in the majors after June 7th.
Léon was a big-time prospect for Houston, signing for $4 million as a Cuban defector in 2021. In his only big league stint, he went 2-for-20 (.100) with the Astros in 2024.
Neither of these moves excited Oriole fans. They’re depth moves, and if either turns out to be a useful backup, that’s great.
Building the bullpen
This week, the Orioles claimed right-hander George Soriano off waivers from Miami, reacquired right-hander Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs, and exercised his $9 million option for 2026.
Soriano had an 8.35 ERA in 24 games for the Marlins in 2025, and he’s another depth piece who might not stay on the 40-man roster for long.
Kittredge was effective for the Orioles and Cubs and had a combined 3.40 ERA. The Orioles acquired a highly touted shortstop prospect, 18-year-old Wilfri De La Cruz, for Kittredge, and have a backend reliever for 2026.
The Orioles also elevated right-hander Anthony Nunez to the 40-man roster. Nunez was acquired in the trade that sent Cedric Mullins to the Mets.
Nunez was eligible to become a minor league free agent and the Orioles wanted to see more of him next spring. A year ago, the Orioles added 32-year-old left-hander Luis González to prevent hm from becoming a free agent. After he was optioned to Norfolk in spring training, González was injured and was released in April.
Roster maneuverings
If the Orioles want to add additional players from the minor leagues to the 40-man roster, they have until November 18th. No top 30 prospects need to be protected in the Rule 5 draft.
There are still several vulnerable players on the 40-man roster, including right-hander Jose Espada, catcher Maverick Handley and first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda.
The Orioles could participate in the Rule 5 draft after sitting it out for two years, but they’ll need roster space. Currently, the 40-man roster is full.
Coaching staff search
Five coaches — hitting coach Cody Asche, assistant hitting coaches, Tommy Joseph and Sherman Johnson, first base coach Anthony Sanders and bench coach Robinson Chirinos have left the organization.
Asche and Sanders have landed with Detroit; Johnson with the Chicago White Sox.
The Orioles are bringing in Dustin Lind as lead hitting coach, according to an industry source. Lind was the assistant hitting coach in Philadelphia for the last two seasons and worked with Albernaz when both were with the San Francisco Giants.
The Orioles are interviewing for other positions.
The future of pitching coach Drew French, assistant pitching coach Ryan Klimek and bullpen coach Mitch Plassmeyer, third base coach Buck Britton, development coach Grant Anders, and senior advisor John Mabry hasn’t been determined.
Tony Mansolino, who had a 60-59 record as interim manager, will join Atlanta as third base coach.
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