Orioles welcome Don Rovak as chief revenue officer

The Baltimore Orioles today announced that DON ROVAK will join the organization as the Chief Revenue Officer, focusing on revenue generation through ticket and corporate sales in both Baltimore and Sarasota, Fla., and creating local economic impact for the city, state, and surrounding area.

“We are excited to have such an incredible talent and industry leader join the Orioles at such a thrilling time for our organization,” shared CATIE GRIGGS, Orioles President of Business Operations. “His expertise, passion, and creativity will be a tremendous asset to our club for years to come.”

Rovak joins the Orioles after just completing his 17th year with AMB Sports and Entertainment, a company comprised of the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Drive GC, and PGA TOUR Superstore. With AMB Sports and Entertainment, Rovak’s responsibilities included Mercedes-Benz Stadium events, private events, and Falcons and Atlanta United ticket sales, service, and ticket operations departments.

Rovak has led the team that has sold out Mercedes-Benz Stadium for all Falcons games and United matches since its opening in 2017. He revolutionized benefits for Falcons season ticket members, including free tickets for road games, annual seat relocation, and pre-party invitations, among other enhancements. Under his supervision, in all seasons for Atlanta United, the team finished first in season tickets, group sales, and overall attendance. Additionally, Atlanta United holds many of the top single match attendance records in their short lifespan.

“I am thrilled to arrive in Baltimore, and to be a part of such a historic franchise with so much opportunity ahead,” shared Rovak. “I look forward to developing relationships with the fans and the corporate community as we embark on an exciting O’s season.”

Orioles agree to terms with outfielder Tyler O’Neil, catcher Gary Sánchez

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder TYLER O’NEILL on a three-year major league contract for the 2025-27 seasons with a player opt-out following 2025, and catcher GARY SÁNCHEZ on a one-year major league contract for the 2025 season. 

O’Neill, 29, slashed .241/.336/.511 (99-for-411) with 18 doubles, 31 home runs, 74 runs scored, 61 RBI, 53 walks (5 IBB), seven hit-by-pitches, and four stolen bases in 113 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. His 31 homers led the team, the first Red Sox outfielder to lead the club in home runs since 2019. He was selected as the 2024 Players Choice Awards American League Comeback Player of the Year, an honor voted on by fellow players. O’Neill led all qualified MLB players with a .750 slugging percentage and finished second with a 1.179 OPS against left-handed pitching last season, while his 16 homers against southpaws were tied for the second most in the majors in 2024. In his first game with the Red Sox on March 28 at Seattle, he went deep in his fifth straight Opening Day to become the first player in MLB history to do so. O’Neill tallied two walk-off hits last year, including a three-run home run with Boston trailing 3-2 in the 10th inning on September 11 against Baltimore. 

The two-time Gold Glover with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020 and 2021 was acquired by the Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitchers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos on December 8, 2023. In seven big league seasons between the two clubs, O’Neill has batted .246/.322/.469 (462-for-1875) with 85 doubles, three triples, 109 home runs, 313 runs scored, 278 RBI, 189 walks (5 IBB), 29 hit-by-pitches, and 44 stolen bases in 590 games. Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, his 109 homers are 10th all-time by a Canadian-born player and the second most among active players behind Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (160). O’Neill was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round (No. 85 overall) of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Garibaldi (BC, CAN) Secondary School before being acquired by St. Louis for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales on July 21, 2017. 

Sánchez, 32, slashed .220/.307/.392 (54-for-245) with seven doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 30 runs scored, 37 RBI, 27 walks, and five hit-by-pitches in 89 games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. He also appeared in two Postseason games in the National League Wild Card Series against the New York Mets, going 2-for-7 with a double. Seven of his 11 homers came against left-handed pitchers as he slugged .423 against southpaws compared to .369 vs. righties last season. 

Over 10 MLB seasons, Sánchez has batted .224/.309/.463 (636-for-2836) with 118 doubles, three triples, 184 home runs, 404 runs scored, 485 RBI, 308 walks (9 IBB), 49 hit-by-pitches, and six stolen bases in 830 career games with the Brewers, Mets, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees. The two-time All-Star has hit 151 homers as a catcher since 2016, trailing only Kansas City’s Salvador Perez (152) for the most in the majors during that time. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2016 behind Detroit’s Michael Fulmer and earned his only career Silver Slugger Award in 2017. 

Orioles claim inaugural Minor League Baseball Sportsmanship Award

Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) is pleased to announce that the Baltimore Orioles organization has been named the recipient of the inaugural MiLB Sportsmanship Award. This award is presented to the Major League Baseball (“MLB”) organization whose Minor League personnel best exemplify MiLB’s commitment to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and professionalism on the field.

Four organizations were selected as finalists for this award for the 2024 season: Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore’s four affiliates – Norfolk, Bowie (now Chesapeake), Aberdeen and Delmarva – set the standard for exemplary sportsmanship while maintaining a competitive environment for player development without undue interruptions from on-field conflicts. Remarkably, no player, manager, or coach in the Orioles system missed a game due to a suspension for on-field conduct in 2024.

“From top to bottom throughout the season, the Orioles organization stood out for their professionalism on the field and the respect shown to umpires, opponents, and fans,” said Michael Hill, MLB’s Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “We appreciate their efforts and are pleased to recognize them with this well-deserved honor.”

“We pride ourselves on building a strong learning environment that helps people grow and believe that displaying exemplary behavior is an important aspect of that standard,” said Anthony Villa, Baltimore’s Director of Player Development. “We are proud to be recognized by Minor League Baseball with the inaugural MiLB Sportsmanship Award as this is a credit to our players, our coaches, our support staff, and everyone in between, showcasing their positive energy and the effort they bring to their jobs every single day.”

Each season, MLB organizations work closely with their on-field personnel to emphasize the importance of developing as professionals while creating a positive environment on and off the field. Educational materials are provided to communicate the significance of an on-field culture that positively impacts the game of baseball, Minor League players, and fans.

Thaddeus Ward clears waivers, assigned to Triple-A Norfolk

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • RHP Thaddeus Ward has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 37 players.

Orioles announce return of the “Orioles Hot Stove Show” on WBAL NewsRadio

The Baltimore Orioles today announced the return of the weekly “Orioles Hot Stove Show” on WBAL NewsRadio, the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network. Beginning Thursday, December 5, fans can tune into AM 1090/FM 101.5 and WBAL.com each Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. ET as Orioles broadcasters GEOFF ARNOLD and BRETT HOLLANDER provide Orioles news, analysis, exclusive interviews, and more.

Arnold and Hollander will host the Hot Stove Show every Thursday from December 5, until the team reports to Spring Training in mid-February, with some exceptions. For more information, including updates on live show dates and locations, visit Orioles.com/HotStove.

Orioles support Birdland with Thanksgiving initiatives

This Thanksgiving, the Baltimore Orioles continued their long-standing commitment to the community, partnering with key organizations to support families and individuals in need across Birdland. Through food donations, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, the Orioles made a tangible impact in the lives of those who needed it most during this season of giving.

“As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, the Orioles remain committed to supporting the Baltimore and Sarasota communities, especially those who need it most,” said KERRY R. WATSON, JR., Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “Whether it’s providing meals, volunteering our time, or partnering with local organizations like Giant Food, Wegmans, and CareFirst, we are proud to make a positive impact and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season.”

Gift Cards and Food Donation to Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
In collaboration with Giant Food, the Orioles made a special Thanksgiving donation to the students and families of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. The team contributed 25 gift cards and 50 pies, ensuring these families could enjoy a festive holiday meal together. Additionally, Orioles employees rallied to collect more than 1,100 canned goods and other non-perishable items, further supporting the school's efforts to provide for those in need.

Volunteering at The Food Project
On Tuesday, November 19, the Orioles Corporate Partnerships team, alongside employees from CareFirst, volunteered at The Food Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Volunteers assisted in preparing meals in the kitchen, distributing food, and packing toiletry bags for those in need. Following their work, volunteers joined students and staff across the street for a meal, prepared by the talented chefs and students at The Food Project.

Providing Thanksgiving Meals for Families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School
In partnership with Wegmans, the Orioles helped to provide full Thanksgiving meals to 50 families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School (HPEMS) as part of their Adopt-A-School campaign. Wegmans worked alongside the Orioles to create a Thanksgiving shopping experience for families as well as providing holiday activities for students.

Orioles agree to terms on three minor league contracts

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Agreed to terms on 2025 minor league contracts with LHP Raul Alcantara, OF Franklin Barreto, and INF Jeremiah Jackson.

Orioles announce 2025 major league coaching staff

The Orioles today announced their 2025 major league coaching staff, led by 2023 American League Manager of the Year BRANDON HYDE in his seventh season. The club has named CODY ASCHE as the hitting coach, ROBINSON CHIRINOS as the bench coach, TOMMY JOSEPH as the assistant hitting coach, SHERMAN JOHNSON as the assistant hitting coach/upper level hitting coordinator, and BUCK BRITTON as a major league coach. The other coaches are remaining in their same positions: GRANT ANDERS as major league development coach (2nd season), TIM COSSINS as major league field coordinator/catching instructor (7th), DREW FRENCH as pitching coach (2nd), RYAN KLIMEK as pitching strategy coach (3rd), TONY MANSOLINO as third base coach (5th), MITCH PLASSMEYER as assistant pitching coach (2nd), and ANTHONY SANDERS as first base coach (6th).

Asche, 34, spent the last two years as the offensive strategy coach. He served as the organization’s upper-level hitting coordinator in 2022. He played five years in the big leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies (2013-16) and Chicago White Sox (2017) and finished his professional playing career in 2020 following the cancellation of the minor league season. His coaching career started in 2021 with the Phillies as the hitting coach for Single-A Clearwater. In 2023, Asche helped the Orioles rank among MLB teams in home runs (2nd, 235), slugging percentage (3rd, .435), total bases (3rd, 2,424), OPS (4th, .750), runs scored (4th, 786), and triples (T-4th, 33).

Chirinos, 40, joins the Orioles after an 11-year MLB career that began in 2011 with Tampa Bay and ended in 2022 with Baltimore. He batted .226/.319/.419 (480-for-2124) with 114 doubles, five triples, 95 home runs, 275 runs scored, 306 RBI, 231 walks, 69 hit-by-pitches, and five stolen bases in 714 career games between the Tampa Bay Rays (2011), Texas Rangers (2013-18, 20), Houston Astros (2019), New York Mets (2020), Chicago Cubs (2021), and Orioles (2022). From 2013-19, he was the sixth-most valuable primary MLB catcher with a 13.0 bWAR. This will be his first professional coaching position.

Joseph, 33, completed his first season as an MLB coach in 2024 as the assistant hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners. He joined the Mariners after three seasons as a minor league hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants with High-A Eugene in 2023 and with the New York Mets for Double-A Binghamton in 2022 and Single-A St. Lucie in 2021. Joseph appeared in 249 MLB games with the Phillies from 2016-17 and slashed .247/.297/.460 (200-for-810) with 42 doubles, one triple, 43 home runs, 98 runs scored, 116 RBI, 55 walks, six hit-by-pitches, and two stolen bases. He participated in the 2012 Futures Game as a member of the Giants before being acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline along with two players in exchange for Hunter Pence on July 31, 2012. Joseph also appeared in the Rangers and Red Sox organizations, as well as one season with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Organization, and with Team Texas of the Independent Constellation Energy League as part of an 11-year professional playing career from 2010-20.

Britton, 38, joins Baltimore’s big league staff after spending the last three seasons as the manager at Triple-A Norfolk, his sixth overall managing in the O’s minor league system along with 2019-21 (Double-A Bowie) and 2018 (Single-A Delmarva). He started his coaching career as the hitting coach for Delmarva in 2017 after a nine-year minor league playing career with the Orioles (2008-14), Los Angeles Dodgers (2015), and Minnesota Twins (2016). Britton guided the Tides to the Triple-A National Championship and International League Championship in 2023 and earned International League Manager of the Year for his efforts. He also earned Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2019 after leading the Baysox to their second league Championship Series in franchise history. Britton was named the 2021 and 2023 recipient of the Orioles' Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, given annually to a minor league staff member who exemplifies Ripken’s qualities as an instructor. He is the just the third multi-time winner since the award’s inception in 2003. This will be Britton’s first coaching position at the MLB level. He is the older brother of former Orioles pitcher, two-time All-Star, and 12-year MLB veteran ZACK BRITTON.

Orioles select contracts of Kade Strowd and Brandon Young

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Selected the contracts of RHP Kade Strowd and RHP Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander decline Orioles' qualifying offers

RHP Corbin Burnes and OF Anthony Santander have declined the club’s qualifying offers for the 2025 season.

Orioles agree to minor league deal with RHP Robinson Martinez

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2025 minor league contract with RHP Robinson Martinez.

Orioles acquire Daz Cameron from the Athletics

Eight players elect free agency

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired outfielder DAZ CAMERON from the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.

Cameron, 27, slashed .200/.258/.329 (34-for-170) with five doubles, one triple, five home runs, 22 runs scored, 15 RBI, 13 walks, one hit-by-pitch, and five stolen bases in 66 games with the A’s last season. He opened the season with Triple-A Las Vegas and batted .307/.424/.577 (42-for-137) with 15 doubles, two triples, six homers, 32 runs scored, 27 RBI, 27 walks (1 IBB), one hit-by-pitch, and eight stolen bases in 41 games for the Aviators before having his contract selected on May 23. In his Athletics debut that same day against Colorado, Cameron launched a game-tying solo home run leading off the ninth inning as the A’s rallied for a 10-9 victory in 11 innings. He earned Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the period April 29-May 5 with Las Vegas.

Cameron was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training with Baltimore in 2023 after being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers on November 9, 2022, and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on December 2. He spent the entire 2023 season with the Tides, helping the team win the Triple-A National Championship and International League Championship. Cameron was originally selected by the Houston Astros in the Competitive Balance Round A (No. 37 overall) of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (GA). The Astros traded him to the Tigers as part of a five-player deal that involved Justin Verlander going to Houston on August 31, 2017.

He’s the son of 2001 American League All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner Mike Cameron.

Orioles announce promotions in baseball operations

The Baltimore Orioles today announced the following promotions within Baseball Operations: MIKE SNYDER from Senior Director, Pro Scouting to Vice President, Pro Scouting; BRENDAN FOURNIE from Director, Baseball Strategy to Senior Director, Baseball Strategy & Operations; DI ZOU from Director, Baseball Systems to Senior Director, Baseball Systems & Analytics Operations; RYAN HARDIN from Senior Data Scientist, Pro Player Evaluation to Director, Pro Player Analytics; MICHAEL WEIS from Senior Data Scientist, Draft Evaluation to Director, Draft Analytics; JIM DANIELS from Senior Software Engineer to Assistant Director, Baseball Systems; PETER ASH from Senior Software Engineer to  Principal Software Engineer; BEN MacLEAN from Analyst, Pro Scouting to Senior Analyst, Pro Scouting; BEN REED from Analyst, Pro Scouting to Senior Analyst, Pro Scouting; and SAM KIM from MLB Fellow to Analyst, Pro Scouting.

“I am proud to announce these promotions, which reflect the growth of our front office and the ascent of the organization as a whole," said MIKE ELIAS, Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager. “The pro scouting department has made a tremendous positive impact in shaping our roster and farm system. The baseball analytics group has provided the high-quality information and cutting-edge tools that shape everything we do in our offices in the Warehouse and across our scouting and player development operations. The work of these staff members has been indispensable in our winning more games than any team in the American League the last two seasons. I’d like to thank David Rubenstein and the entire ownership group for their commitment and investment toward continual improvement in baseball operations.” 

Snyder will continue to oversee the club’s pro scouting and player analysis across the majors, minors, and Asian professional leagues, and assist with contract negotiations, 40-man roster construction, player transactions, and departmental hiring. He previously served as the club’s Director of Pro Scouting (2020-23), Director of Pro Scouting Director of Pacific Rim Operations & Baseball Development (2015-19), Assistant Director of Player Personnel (2013-14), Assistant Director of Scouting and Player Development (2012), Baseball Operations Assistant and International Scout (2010-11), and Baseball Operations Intern (2009). In his time with the Orioles, he has had active involvement in the amateur draft, international scouting, compliance, contracts, and salary arbitration, in addition to his pro scouting leadership that has contributed to several impact acquisitions. He graduated with honors from Princeton University (NJ) in 2008 with a degree in economics, and he received his master’s degree in applied and computational mathematics from Johns Hopkins University in 2019. Snyder and his wife, Lindsay, reside in Frederick, Md. with their two children, Ellie and Jonah. 

Fournie oversees baseball economic research and advance scouting, while advising the baseball operations team on roster management, transactions, and contracts. He just completed his ninth season in Major League Baseball and third with the Orioles after spending his first six years in the industry in various baseball operations roles with the Houston Astros from 2016-21. Fournie attended the University of Missouri and received dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and sport management and received his master’s degree in sport management from the University of Florida, where he also minored in statistics and entrepreneurship.

Zou just completed his eighth season with the Orioles and third as the Director, Baseball Systems. He will continue to oversee development of internal baseball operations information systems and contributes to various initiatives related to baseball technology and analytics. Zou started with the organization in 2017 as Developer of Baseball Systems before being promoted to Manager of Baseball Systems in 2020. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in mathematics and resides in Ellicott City, Md. with his wife and daughters.

Orioles and MASN announce the promotion of Greg Bader

The Orioles and MASN today announced the promotion of GREG BADER to Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). Bader will immediately begin the transition from his current role as Orioles Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to the role with MASN, with a complete transition effective January 1. He will report to CATIE GRIGGS, Orioles President, Business Operations.

Bader served as EVP and COO since September of 2023, overseeing all day-to-day business needs of the club, including Revenue, Operations, Orioles Entertainment, and Broadcasting. Bader will build upon his industry expertise to oversee both the Orioles and Washington Nationals day-to-day coverage and business needs with MASN. A Baltimore native, Bader first joined the Orioles as a public relations intern in 1994 and has served in multiple roles over the last three decades, including Director of Communications, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, and Senior Vice President, Administration & Experience. 

“Greg has an unparalleled level of expertise of both baseball administration and the sports industry overall which I’m confident will allow him to seamlessly transition into the role with MASN. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him for years to come,” shared Griggs.

“It’s been an honor to have devoted my professional career to the Orioles and Major League Baseball, and I am equally honored to begin this new role with MASN,” said Bader. “Like millions of baseball fans throughout the Mid-Atlantic, I have welcomed MASN into my home for the past twenty seasons, and I am thrilled to now play a role in working to enhance that experience as the network continues to bring unmatched coverage of two great teams to two incredible baseball communities.”

About MASN
The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) is a regional sports network and multimedia platform that televises every available game of both the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, pre- and postgame shows, and NCAA Division I men’s and women’s sports, totaling more than 500 live events annually. The network is available in a seven-state region, from Harrisburg, Pa., to Charlotte, N.C., on more than 20 cable and fiber optic providers, and is televised nationally via satellite provider DirecTV. MASN’s digital home – masnsports.com – features news and sports content and offers in-market streaming of both O’s and Nats games. MASN has won more than 100 Emmy and Addy awards for broadcast and marketing excellence.

Orioles announce 2024 award winners for player development & scouting

The Orioles today announced the winners of their player development and scouting awards for 2024, including infielder COBY MAYO as the club’s top minor league player and right-handed pitcher BRANDON YOUNG as the club’s top minor league pitcher. Latin America Coordinator of Instruction SAMUEL VEGA and Area Scout DONOVAN O’DOWD will also be honored for their contributions to the organization. The award winners will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, with awards presented by Orioles Vice President of Player Development and Domestic Scouting, Matt blood, Orioles Director of Player Development, Anthony Villa, Orioles Director of Minor League Operations, Kent Qualls, and Orioles Manager of Domestic Scouting, Chad Tatum.

Mayo, 22, slashed .293/.369/.574 (99-for-338) with 23 doubles, three triples, 22 homers, 61 runs scored, 67 RBI, 39 walks, and four stolen bases in 87 regular season games at Triple-A Norfolk. His contract was selected on August 2, and he made his Major League debut that day at Cleveland. Mayo was later optioned on August 15, before being recalled again on September 1, for his second MLB stint. His 22 home runs with the Tides rank seventh in the International League, despite stints on the Injured List and the Orioles’ Major League roster. Mayo’s 25 homers in the Minors this year are the most by an MLB Top 100 prospect this season and his .943 OPS and .574 slugging percentage would pace all qualified hitters in the International League. Mayo was named the O’s Minor League Player of the Month in April after slashing .330/.400/.652 (38-for-115) with six doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 21 runs scored, 25 RBI, and 12 walks across 28 games. Mayo was ranked as the sixth-best overall MLB prospect in ESPN’s midseason rankings and is currently ranked the eighth-best prospect by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. He is also currently ranked as the top Orioles prospect by Baseball AmericaESPN, and MLB Pipeline. Mayo was drafted 103rd overall by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft.

Young, 26, has posted a 5-5 record with a 3.48 ERA (41 ER/106.0 IP), allowing 96 hits, 46 total runs, eight home runs, two hit batters, 34 walks, and 129 strikeouts in 26 games (23 starts) through September 16, between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. Young was promoted on May 28, after going 0-2 and producing a 4.09 ERA (10 ER/22.0 IP) on 21 hits (1 HR), 10 total runs, and four walks with 36 strikeouts in seven games (6 GS) for the Baysox. He has gone 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA (31 ER/84.0 IP) on 75 hits allowed (7 HR), 36 total runs, 30 walks, and two hit batters with 93 strikeouts in 19 games (17 GS) for the Tides. He ranks among Orioles organizational leaders in strikeouts (3rd), games started (4th), and innings pitched (7th). Among Orioles minor leaguers with at least 90.0 innings pitched, he ranks third in strikeout-to-walk ratio (21.6), fourth in WHIP (1.23), sixth in ERA, and sixth in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (10.95). Young was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Orioles on June 14, 2020, out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is currently ranked as the No. 19 O’s prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 24 Orioles prospect by Baseball America.

Vega has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, in honor of the late Orioles coach and manager who is widely regarded as the architect of “The Oriole Way.” Each year, a minor league staff member who exemplifies Ripken’s qualities as an instructor is recognized with the award. Vega was named the Orioles Latin America Field Coordinator in 2022, overseeing the development of the club’s international prospects. Vega has played an instrumental role in getting the O's brand-new state-of-the-art Dominican Republic training facility up and running, creating a culture of hard work and accountability among the international players. Under Vega's instruction, several of the Orioles Dominican Summer League players earned league-wide accolades, including outfielder JORDAN SANCHEZ who was named MiLB’s Player of the Week for the week of June 17 to 23, being named the Orioles MiLB Player of the Month for June, and being named a DSL All-Star. In July, right-handed pitcher KEVIN VELASCO was named the Orioles’ MiLB Pitcher of the Month, and right-handed pitcher ADRIAN HEREDIA was named the MiLB Pitcher of the Week for the week of August 5 to 11. The Orioles currently have 12 international prospects in their top 30, according to MLB Pipeline, the most since Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias, joined the organization in 2019 and a testament to the work Vega and his team are doing in the DR. This year, the DSL Orioles Orange clinched a playoff berth for the first time under Mike Elias in the inaugural season of the new Dominican Republic Academy.

O’Dowd was named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles beginning with their move from St. Louis in 1954. O’Dowd has been in the organization since 2019, proving to be a key member of the Orioles’ scouting operations as he patrols the country’s Northeast area, which ranges from Virginia to Maine. Since joining the organization, he has provided valuable insight in a way that is respected, taking the initiative to learn and implement the organization’s scouting philosophies in his process. Some of his recent signees include two of the Orioles top three draft picks this year, GRIFF O’FERRALL (Virginia), and ETHAN ANDERSON (Virginia), as well as undrafted free agents TREY GIBSON (Liberty) and TT BOWENS (Central Connecticut State).

Orioles designate Craig Kimbrel for assignment, recall Bryan Baker

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Recalled RHP Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk.
  • Designated RHP Craig Kimbrel for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 37 players.

Nick Maton clears waivers, accepts assignment to Triple-A Norfolk

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • INF/OF Nick Maton has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles nominate James McCann for 2024 Roberto Clemente Award

The Orioles and Major League Baseball today announced that catcher JAMES McCANN has been named the Orioles’ 2024 nominee for the esteemed Roberto Clemente Award. The most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB, the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of a Major League player from each club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

The Orioles will join Major League Baseball in honoring the 23rd annual Roberto Clemente Day on Sunday, September 15, as they take on the Detroit Tigers at 12:05 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. This commemorative day was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards, all players will wear a ‘21’ patch on their jersey, and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. Once again this season, each team’s Clemente nominee will wear ”21” on their uniform, joining players and uniformed personnel from Puerto Rico, previous nominees, and those who have worn “21” on prior Roberto Clemente Days.

The Orioles will recognize McCann in a special on-field ceremony on Saturday, September 21.

Since joining the Orioles prior to the 2023 season, McCann has emerged as a cornerstone of community support in Baltimore, earning him a nomination for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. His unwavering dedication to community service is a family affair, with McCann, his wife Jessica, and their twin boys actively contributing to their communities year-round. This past offseason, the McCann family donated 50 pairs of shoes to Church of the City’s Wrap Around Closet in Nashville, Tenn. supporting children in foster care.

Earlier this season, the Orioles announced their adoption of Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, aiming to foster a lasting relationship and support students from pre-k all the way through their entry into the workforce. McCann eagerly embraced this partnership, actively engaging with Harlem Park students and staff at Friday home game batting practices, proudly donning a Harlem Park-branded t-shirt. His involvement extended to the classroom as well, where he visited PE classes to teach baseball skills and inspire students to pursue their dreams with perseverance. To further support Harlem Park, McCann and Jessica provided Harlem Park students with essential items such as backpacks, clothing, and shoes for the new school year, underscoring their dedication to fostering the growth and success of Baltimore’s youth.

Orioles agree to minor league contract with Nick Anderson

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with RHP Nick Anderson.

Jorge Mateo has successful UCL reconstruction surgery

Jorge Mateo had successful left elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with internal brace and flexor repair today. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister at Trinity Park Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas.