Baltimore Orioles Announce Flurry of Moves Ahead of 40-Man Roster Deadline

The Baltimore Orioles felt the rush of every other team this offseason as the deadline to get their rosters compliant of the 40-man rule approaches later today. 

Among the biggest decisions that came through this afternoon in Baltimore was veteran outfielder Leody Taveras electing free agency after clearing waivers and refusing a minor-league assignment. 

Taveras slashed an underwhelming .219/.288/.345 and drove in 56 runs across 139 games of action. It's no surprise that both parties are parting ways given Taveras' lack of production at the plate and his desire to redeem himself on another club that might give him more opportunities.

Meanwhile, Baltimore outrighted Heston Kjerstad, Yohel Pozo and Yosver Zulueta to Triple-A Norwolk after the trio passed through waivers as well. Pozo played a key role catching-wise following the trade of Adley Rutschman to Boston. 

Pozo batted a solid .259 and knocked in two RBI through 19 games in an Orioles uniform since being claimed from the Cardinals. 

Furthermore, the Orioles claimed four players in Josh White, Philip Abner, Zach Morgan and Chase Hampton off waivers from various organizations. 

White has the potential to improve in Baltimore's system but limited action in the majors with the Miami Marlins showed that he will have his work cut out for him. In just one appearance, he surrendered five earned runs and issued four walks. In Triple-A Jacksonville, White posted a reasonable 2.41 ERA in 56 innings, but recorded a concerning 13.5% walk rate.

Abner has yet to find a long-term home after spending time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. While he's also struggled in the majors, Abner has recorded a 3.72 ERA and 27.6% strikeout rate in two Triple-A seasons.

On the other hand, Morgan has yet to see any big-league action. The 26-year-old catcher slashed .248/.339/.356 over 52 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Due to his lack of experience, it's unlikely that he'll remain an Oriole for long.

Hampton appears to be Baltimore's most intriguing pickup, posting a 3.63 ERA in 2023 prior to going down with a flexor strain that kept him out for most of 2024. Nonetheless, his youth and inexperience at 25 years old have been evident. He was hit hard this year, compiling an 8.18 ERA through time in three minor-league levels. 

For now, president of baseball operations Mike Elias and newly hired general manager Jared Banner will be at work trying to retain key free agents like left-handed starter Trevor Rogers.