A player on the Baltimore Orioles has made a change at spring training.
The Baltimore Orioles made a subtle but potentially impactful move this offseason by acquiring infielder Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the trade did not generate major headlines, it addressed a key need for Baltimore by adding a versatile defender who can contribute across multiple positions.
The 26-year-old infielder has quietly built a reputation as a useful utility option at the major-league level. Across parts of two seasons, he has posted a .237 batting average, .322 on‑base percentage and .366 slugging percentage over 451 career plate appearances. His ability to play shortstop, second base, third base and even the outfield at times makes him a valuable piece for a roster built on flexibility.
The biggest question surrounding Alexander has been his offensive consistency, particularly his high strikeout rate. That is where a key adjustment this spring could change the trajectory of his role in Baltimore.
Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner detailed the change on Friday, noting that Alexander turned on a low‑and‑away pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller at spring training and ripped it into right field at 110 mph for a single. The swing reflected a mechanical tweak Alexander focused on throughout the offseason: keeping his weight anchored on his back hip longer.
That adjustment allowed him to stay behind the ball and better handle pitches he previously struggled to reach. A sinking fastball on the bottom corner likely would have produced a whiff last year, but this spring he was able to drive it because his weight stayed back just a fraction longer.
Alexander said he used to rely on athleticism to reach difficult pitches, but studying other hitters led him to adopt a more patient, controlled approach. If the change sticks, he could become even more valuable. He was already expected to be a heavily relied‑upon player because of his defensive utility, but added offensive value could make the trade look like a steal.
That adjustment is significant for a Baltimore team with postseason aspirations. With stars like shortstop Gunnar Henderson and first baseman Pete Alonso anchoring the infield, Alexander does not need to carry the offense, but he does need to provide reliable at‑bats in key situations, especially against left‑handed pitching where he has been stronger in his career.
If the mechanical change translates into improved contact and reduced swing‑and‑miss during the regular season, Alexander could become more than just a bench option. He could evolve into a dependable contributor on a roster that values depth as much as star power.