The Orioles today announced that they have acquired infielder Luis Vázquez from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

Vázquez, 25, was 1-for-12 with two runs scored, one RBI, and a hit-by-pitch in 11 games with the Cubs last season. He made his MLB debut on May 22 vs. Atlanta. Vázquez slashed .263/.347/.432 (62-for-236) with 16 doubles, eight home runs, 33 runs scored, 24 RBI, 25 walks, six hit-by-pitches, and one stolen base in 64 games with Triple-A Iowa in 2024. The infielder appeared in 51 games at shortstop, seven at third base, and six at second base in Triple-A. He was originally selected by Chicago-NL in the 14^th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Alberto Melendez Torres (PR) High School.

To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Emmanuel Rivera was designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Eight brand new events like Hello Kitty® Day, Friends® Day and Golf Day join returning favorites like
Night OUT, Pups in the Park, Cat-urday and more 

Whether you like golf or Hello Kitty®, binge-watch Friends® re-runs, or simply love to take your pup everywhere you go, the Washington Nationals have a date on the calendar just for you. The Nationals’ 2025 season schedule is highlighted by more than 50 special ticket events, complementing the promotional schedule released in December. This year’s special events include the return of fan-favorites like Night OUT and Ladies Night; season-long series like College Days and heritage days; games dedicated to our furry friends, including Cat-urday presented by Temptations and Pups in the Park presented by PEDIGREE Foundation; kid-friendly events like Youth Baseball & Softball Days presented by Inova Sports Medicine; and events new to Nationals Park. Special tickets are limited; for more information and to purchase, visit nats.com/Special.

Eight brand new events, including Hello Kitty® Day, Friends® Day and Golf Day, join the slate of returning favorites.

· On Tuesday, April 8, fans are invited to enjoy Hello Kitty® Day at Nationals Park alongside fellow red bow-wearers… After all, you can never have too many friends! Fans with a special ticket will receive an exclusive Hello Kitty® light-up figurine.

· The Nationals will bring the Central Perk vibes to the ballpark on Tuesday, May 6, with the first-ever Friends® Day at Nationals Park. So, grab your closest friends – whether they want good eats at the concessions like Joey, to go shopping at the team store like Rachel, or to get their head in the game like Ross – and head over to Nationals Park for a 6:45 p.m. matchup versus the Guardians. Fans with a special ticket will receive an exclusive Screech and Teddy “Pivot!” bobblehead.

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder DYLAN CARLSON on a one-year major league contract for the 2025 season.

Carlson, 26, slashed .209/.287/.277 (49-for-235) with seven doubles, three home runs, 19 runs scored, 25 RBI, 22 walks, five hit-by-pitches, and two stolen bases in 96 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He opened the year on 10-day Injured List recovering from a left acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain before being reinstated by St. Louis on May 5. Carlson was acquired by the Rays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong on July 30, 2024. In 39 day games last season, he slashed .263/.327/.305 (25-for-95) compared to a .171/.261/.257 (24-for-140) slash line in 57 night games.

In five big league seasons between the two clubs, Carlson has batted .237/.317/.376 (365-for-1538) with 83 doubles, 10 triples, 37 home runs, 192 runs scored, 175 RBI, 158 walks (3 IBB), 30 hit-by-pitches, and 13 stolen bases in 484 games. Carlson, a switch-hitter, is a lifetime .285/.361/.431 (123-for-432) hitter versus left-handed pitchers compared to a .219/.300/.355 (242-for-1106) hitter against righties. He has appeared in the Postseason three times with St. Louis (2020-22) and his six Wild Card Series games trail only Yadier Molina (7) for the most among Cardinals players. In 2021, he finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting and set the Cardinals single-season records for rookie switch-hitters with 53 extra-base hits, 237 total bases, 31 doubles, 65 RBI, and 57 walks. Carlson was originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round (No. 33 overall) of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Elk Grove (CA) High School.

To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder JACOB AMAYA has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The club today announced that long-time Orioles outfielder ADAM JONES officially returns to the organization as a Special Advisor to the General Manager and Community Ambassador.

In this role, Jones will advise Executive Vice President & General Manager MIKE ELIAS on various matters and serve as a resource for the rest of the Baseball Operations department and Orioles major and minor league players.

Jones will continue to have an impact on the Baltimore community, participating in several club-sponsored community service projects including with the club’s adopt-a-school partnership with Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), and the Challenger League. Through a myriad of events and opportunities, he will interact with Birdland Members, Corporate Partners, fans, and members of the front office as a representative of the club. Jones will mark the beginning of this role when he joins the Orioles in Sarasota to serve as a guest coach this Spring Training.

“I am grateful for the Orioles relationships I have formed since my retirement, which have led us to this exciting partnership. Having the opportunity to be around the game that I love, while also learning the operations side of baseball from one of the best General Managers is truly an honor. I am happy to be a resource for the Orioles organization and will offer everything I’ve learned from past experience to help the team succeed,” shared Jones. “Baltimore has always meant so much to me, and this unique role will allow me to continue giving back to the community I love. This is a special opportunity and I’m eager to embrace it fully.”

“Adam was a tremendous representative of the Orioles on and off the field while he was a player,” said Elias. “We are excited to formally welcome him back to our team, and we look forward to utilizing his experience, expertise, and perspective to help the franchise achieve sustained excellence.”

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara on a two-year contract and designated left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa for assignment on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Ogasawara, 27, joins the Nationals after he pitched to a 3.12 ERA in 24 games in 2024 for the Chunichi Dragons of the the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. He walked just 22 batters and allowed just nine home runs in 144.1 innings of work.

An NPB All-Star in 2023, the native of Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan pitched in nine seasons for Chunichi after he was selected in the first round of the 2015 NPB Draft out of Tokai University Sagami High School. He went 54-72 with a 3.67 ERA, 863 strikeouts and just 361 walks in 1098.0 innings (190 games) for the Dragons after he made his debut in 2016 as an 18-year-old.

Ogasawara represented Japan in the 2015 U-18 Baseball World Cup, helping his team to a second place finish. He went 1-0 without allowing an earned run and struck out 11 in 8.0 innings of work.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• RHP Roansy Contreras claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees

The Washington Nationals announced their 2025 Spring Training non-roster invitees on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

RHP: Daison Acosta, Joan Adon, Marquis Grissom Jr., Clay Helvey, Brad Lord, Jack Sinclair, Tyler Stuart, Jarlin Susana

LHP: Konnor Pilkington

C: Andrew Knizner, Caleb Lomavita, Max Romero Jr.

INF: Brady House, Yohandy Morales, Cayden Wallace

The expanded menu features 11 items $5 or less

The Orioles today, along with their hospitality partner Brick & Whistle, operated by Levy, and beverage partner Coca-Cola Consolidated, announced their new Birdland Value Menu, which will be offered throughout the ballpark in 2025. The menu will feature more than 12 items, including adult beverages.

“Our fans are the heart and soul of this organization. By offering more affordable food and beverage options, we are directly reflecting our commitment to them,” said CATIE GRIGGS, President of Business Operations for the Orioles. “We want Oriole Park at Camden Yards to be a welcoming place where all fans can feel at home and have a great time. We believe these changes will greatly enhance the overall fan experience, allowing everyone to create the experience that best fits their needs.”

Fans will be able to purchase the items at various locations throughout Oriole Park, including along the main concourse and in the Upper Deck. In addition to food items like hot dogs, pretzel bites, and nachos, the Birdland Value Menu will also feature a refillable soda cup that can be used at new fan-facing Coca-Cola fountain machines located in the concourses, select beers, non-alcoholic beers, and seltzers. Fans will still be permitted to bring in outside food and beverage, in accordance with the Orioles gameday guidelines, which can be found at Orioles.com/Guide.

The Orioles continue to make it a priority to make Oriole Park one of the most family friendly ballparks throughout Major League Baseball. With tickets available for as low as $15, their Kids Cheer Free Program, sponsored by Baltimore Area Chick-fil-A Restaurants, and the addition of the Birdland Value Menu, a family of four can enjoy an Orioles game for less than $100.

The Baltimore Orioles today announced that MARK FINE will join the organization as the Chief Marketing Officer, and KAMAAL JONES as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Fine will lead the marketing, communications, and creative content departments, while Jones will lead all in-house legal and compliance operations for the club.

“We are thrilled to have Mark and Kamaal join our organization as we continue to expand and elevate our front office,” shared CATIE GRIGGS, Orioles President of Business Operations. “Both Mark and Kamaal are proven leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will provide our organization with tremendous guidance, innovative ideas, and a passion for the opportunities ahead.”

"I am deeply honored to be joining the Orioles, a team that has always held a special place in my heart as a Baltimore native,” shared Fine. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with one of the most passionate fan bases in sports, build on the Orioles' rich legacy, and create innovative, fan-first experiences that bring our community closer to the game we all love."

“As a lifelong Marylander, I have vivid childhood memories of Orioles games at Memorial Stadium and the iconic Camden Yards. I couldn’t be more thrilled to now join such a legendary organization,” shared Jones. “This is an exciting time for the team and its passionate fans, with terrific play on the field and a potentially transformative vision for Camden Yards and its Baltimore home.”

Fine has served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the largest bull riding organization in the world, since August 2023. There he oversaw all aspects of marketing including live events, content, and digital, and was a contributor to parent company Endeavor’s broader network of sports and entertainment properties, working out of UFC’s corporate headquarters in Las Vegas.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• INF Livan Soto has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed INF Jacob Amaya off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.
• Designated RHP Roansy Contreras for assignment.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with 14 international free agents on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Director of International Operations Victor Rodriguez made the joint announcement.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

PLAYER                     POS          B/T           HT            WT            AGE          D.O.B.                         HOMETOWN                               SIGNING SCOUT

Ronny Bello               2B             R/R           5’10”         150            17               10/18/07                     San Pedro de Macoris      Oscar Disla

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Traded C Blake Hunt to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations.

Voting is now open for NATS20 Fan Favorite Moments, part of the Washington Nationals season-long 20^th Anniversary celebration.

A panel of former players, broadcasters and longtime employees submitted their favorite memories from the first two decades of Nationals baseball, but fans will have the final say on which moments will be prominently featured throughout Nationals Park this season.

The initial list, curated by panelists like Mr. National, Ryan Zimmerman; broadcasters Bob Carpenter, Kevin Frandsen, Dave Jageler, Dan Kolko and Charlie Slowes; public address announcer Jerome Hruska; and organist Matthew Van Hoose, includes game-changing moments like Howie Kendrick’s foul-pole home run; franchise firsts like Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter; and even Teddy’s first win in the Presidents Race.

The top 20 moments, as chosen by the fans, will be announced in February, and images representing the selections will be prominently displayed throughout the ballpark, including around the concourse and hanging from the outfield garages. Plus, three of the top moments will be featured as part of the Mystery Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, May 24, where 20,000 fans in attendance will receive one of the three collectibles.

Voting is open now through Thursday, Jan. 30, at nats.com/NATS20.

The Washington Nationals today announced an agreement with Costa Media, extending the official Spanish-language radio broadcast partnership through the 2027 season. During the Nationals’ upcoming season, fans can tune in to DC 87.7 FM and La Pantera WFAX 100.7 FM/1220 AM for live Spanish-language broadcasts for both home and away games, with in-game play-by-play analysis, 15-minute pre- and postgame shows, in-depth organizational reporting and player interviews.

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Nationals organization and deliver first-class Spanish-language play-by-play to the DMV Latino community,” said Jose Villafane, Founder and Managing Partner of Costa Media.

Luciano Rodríguez and Gustavo Salazar will once again team up and return to the Nationals’ Spanish-language radio booth for the upcoming 20^th Anniversary season. Rodríguez, a Venezuelan native, provides play-by-play and is a 40-year veteran of D.C. Latin sports broadcasts. He began his Spanish-language radio career in the late 1980s at WILC 900 AM, and in 1993, became the first Spanish-language color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles. From 2005 to 2015, he worked for SiriusXM as a Spanish-language host, commentator and producer covering baseball and other sports. Born in Bolivia, Salazar serves as the color analyst and producer. A third-generation broadcaster, Salazar’s family has combined for nearly 100 years in the Latin broadcast industry. Salazar was an integral part of CBS Radio and iHeart Radio’s Latino radio market growth in D.C. and Philadelphia, and from 2013 to 2022, he served as a Spanish radio broadcaster for the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, including calling the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship season.

The continued partnership with Costa Media is an extension of the Nationals’ ongoing engagement with the area’s Spanish-speaking community. Each season, the Nationals celebrate the rich history and culture during Hispanic Heritage Day at Nationals Park. In 2024, the Nationals held its first-ever dual-language Spanish/English Q&A session with Salazar and Nationals players on Hispanic Heritage Day. Additionally, Manager Dave Martinez shows his appreciation for his Hispanic roots through his Davey’s Dugout initiative – a monthly event held during the season that invites families and individuals of Hispanic heritage to join a special Q&A with Martinez and Spanish-speaking players, as well as stay to enjoy that day’s game.

For more information on Costa Media, visit costa-media.com and nats.com.

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher ANDREW KITTREDGE on a one-year contract for the 2025 season with a club option for 2026.

Kittredge, 34, was 5-5 with one save and a 2.80 ERA (22 ER/70.2 IP) with 60 hits (10 HR), 26 total runs, 20 walks (2 IBB), and 67 strikeouts in a career-high 74 appearances, all in relief, with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. His 37 holds set the Cardinals single-season record and led the National League, one behind Houston’s Bryan Abreu for the MLB high. Kittredge’s 74 games ranked fifth in the NL. Last season was his first full year since 2021 after undergoing right elbow UCL surgery (Tommy John) in June of 2022 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kittredge is 23-12 with 16 saves, 52 holds, and a 3.44 ERA (109 ER/285.1 IP) with 268 hits (38 HR), 123 total runs, seven hit batters, 76 walks (13 IBB), and 273 strikeouts in 255 career games (15 starts) over eight seasons between the Cardinals and Rays. He’s posted a 2.48 ERA (48 ER/174.0 IP) since 2021, tied for the seventh-best ERA in the majors among players with at least 150 appearances during that time. He was originally signed by the Seattle Mariners as a non-drafted free agent out of the University of Washington on August 25, 2011. Tampa Bay acquired him along with two players from Seattle in exchange for Taylor Motter and Richie Shaffer on November 18, 2016. He elected free agency following the 2020 season before signing back with the Rays on a minor league deal on December 16, 2020. Kittredge made Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster in 2021 and was an American League All-Star after posting a 1.47 ERA (7 ER/43.0 IP) through the break that season. St. Louis acquired him from Tampa Bay in exchange for Richie Palacios on January 5, 2024.

To make room on the 40-man roster, catcher BLAKE HUNT has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The weekend-long tour returns from January 30-February 1 to bring Orioles baseball directly to fans throughout the region

The Orioles today announced the return of the club’s ‘Birdland Caravan,’ a three-day winter tour, that will take place from Thursday, January 30, through Saturday, February 1, at multiple locations throughout the region. The celebration will include pop-up photo opportunities at surprise locations, community projects, mascot meet and greets, happy hours, and bowling. New to 2025, fans can participate in Karaoke Happy Hour at PBR Baltimore, along with new youth events like the Rip & Play Event at Bel Air Sports Cards, Orioles PLAY BALL Rookie Clinic, and a new family-friendly, interactive Kids Rally.

Current Orioles players participating in select events include COLTON COWSER, GUNNAR HENDERSON, JACKSON HOLLIDAY, CHAYCE McDERMOTT, RYAN MOUNTCASTLE, RYAN O’HEARN, CADE POVICH, ADLEY RUTSCHMAN, ALBERT SUÁREZ, and JORDAN WESTBURG. Additionally, Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager MIKE ELIAS and Manager BRANDON HYDE will attend select events throughout the weekend. 

Designed to take the Oriole Park experience directly to the fans, Birdland Caravan will make stops throughout Maryland including Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Ellicott City, Halethorpe, and Severn, along with three additional surprise locations in Frederick, Harford, and Montgomery Counties. Fans in Pasadena and Westminster will also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Oriole Bird, Mr. Splash, and the Camden Franks. 

New this year, tickets are required for several key events, including the Kids Rally in Severn, the Bowling Experience at Bowlero Columbia, Orioles PLAY BALL Rookie Clinic in Ellicott City, Rip & Play Event at Bel Air Sports Cards, and all happy hours. This marks an exciting update to enhance the experience and ensure a smooth process for participants. All profits from 2025 Birdland Caravan events will benefit the Orioles Charitable Foundation, supporting impactful community initiatives and programs. Fans must purchase tickets in advance as availability will be limited. Tickets are now on sale and available at Orioles.com/Caravan.  

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Jorge López on a one-year contract and designated right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham for assignment on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

López, 31, joins the Nationals after he went 2-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 50 strikeouts and four saves in 52 relief appearances last season between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. He worked 39 scoreless appearances, including 14 consecutive from July 11 to August 16. That 16.0-inning scoreless streak was tied for the 10^th-longest by a National League reliever in 2024.

An American League All-Star in 2022, López has pitched in parts of nine Major League seasons with Milwaukee (2015, 2017-18), Kansas City (2018-20), Baltimore (2020-22, 2023), Minnesota (2022-23), Miami (2023), New York (NL) (2024) and Chicago (NL) (2024). He is 24-43 with a 5.25 ERA, 31 saves and 468 strikeouts in 282 career games (58 starts). Since transitioning to the bullpen full-time in 2022, López is 12-12 with a 3.74 ERA, 30 saves, 21 holds and 171 strikeouts in 183.0 innings.

López was originally selected by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Caguas Military Academy in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed RHP Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
• Designated INF Livan Soto for assignment.
• C René Pinto claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.