As speculation and rumors regarding the Orioles’ pursuit of another starting pitcher continue, contract agreements are finalized to strengthen the outfield and create further questions about potential future movements.
An overcrowded outfield will require additional space. The organization announced today that it has signed Ramón Laureano to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026. According to a source, he has a $4 million salary this season and a $6.5 million option.
Infielder Luis Vázquez, who the Orioles acquired from the Cubs on Friday for monetary considerations, was designated for assignment.
The predicted starters are Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, and Tyler O’Neill, with Heston Kjerstad seen as the frontrunner to join the team as a fourth outfielder. Dylan Carlson signed last month for $975,000, but he has three minor league options. Daz Cameron is also part of the 40-man roster.
Carrying a fifth outfielder would reduce the infield group to six. Jorge Mateo is uncertain for Opening Day after having elbow surgery in late August. He’ll be slow-played at camp.
When asked during the Birdland Caravan if he had any health updates, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias responded, “Not to the extent that I would get into here. I usually foresee anyone who is off or on an unusual schedule when we go down to Sarasota, so I’ll probably do that in a few weeks.”
More depth? Is there an injury? Is a future transaction in the works?
It should make sense eventually. Meanwhile, the intrigue grows.
In 2014, while Elias was scouting director, the Astros selected Laureano in the 16th round. He was traded to the Athletics three years later, claimed off waivers by the Guardians in 2023, and signed by the Braves last May.
Laureano, 30, has a career.247/.319/.430 batting line in seven major league seasons. In 2019, he hit.288/.340/.521 with 29 doubles and 24 home runs in 123 games, his finest season. He hasn’t played in more than 105 games since then, with a total of 98 last summer.
In August 2021, Major League Baseball penalized Laureano for 80 games after he tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance nandrolone. He had core surgery two months later.
Laureano was non-tendered by the Braves after hitting.296/.327/.505 with 13 doubles and 10 home runs over 67 games. MLBTradeRumors.com estimated that he would earn $6.1 million in arbitration.
Laureano, who is out of options, has a 13.9 bWAR in 610 major league games. He mainly plays center field but can also play right and left, giving him the same versatility as Cowser and O’Neill. He’s also recognized for his strong arm (Statcast places it in the 100th percentile in baseball) and occasional highlight-reel catches.
It’s unclear why he’s coming to Sarasota right now.
