Orioles Clear Roster Space Ahead of Potential Lockout

The Baltimore Orioles have entered a one-month sprint to finalize their roster before a potential lockout shuts down the game. On Monday, the club made a series of decisive moves that trimmed its payroll and cleared space for future additions. These actions set the stage for a busy and time-pressured offseason.

The Orioles declined the contract options for third baseman Ryan Mountcastle and relief pitcher Dietrich Enns. The team also released starter Heston Kjerstad and outfielder Leody Taveras. These cuts reduce the number of players on the active roster and free up salary cap space for other pursuits.

Simultaneously, the club claimed four players off waivers from other organizations. These additions include right-hander Josh White from the Miami Marlins, left-hander Philip Abner from the New York Mets, and right-hander Chase Hampton from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Orioles also claimed catcher Zach Morgan from the San Francisco Giants.

General manager Jon Meoli noted that the team has a history of successfully identifying ready-to-help relievers through these low-cost claims. The bullpen currently presents several unknowns, with veterans Ryan Helsley and Félix Bautista returning from injuries. Young pitchers such as Alex Hoppe, Josh Walker, and Anthony Nunez must prove they can sustain their performance for a full season.

The team faces a critical decision regarding left-hander Trevor Rogers. Rogers must decide by November 17 whether to accept a qualifying offer worth $23.15 million. He has expressed a desire to remain in Baltimore, but the club extended the contracts of Shane Baz and Kyle Bradish instead of his. This suggests the Orioles may prioritize rotation depth over retaining Rogers if his market value remains high.

Projected deals for Rogers range from a five-year, $115 million contract to a three-year, $64 million agreement. If the market offers the higher figure, Rogers will likely sign with another team. If the offer is closer to the lower estimate, accepting the qualifying offer and reentering free agency next year may be the better financial path for the player.

The outfield composition has become clearer following the departures of Taveras and Kjerstad. The team now relies on Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, and Tyler O’Neill for the starting lineup. Christian Franklin, Rece Hinds, and Blaze Alexander provide depth. Releasing Taveras creates availability for center field plate appearances against left-handed pitching, a need the club can address through trades or signings.

The Orioles currently have three open spots on their 40-man roster by the November 17 deadline. This number is likely insufficient to protect all key prospects from the Rule 5 draft if it occurs. Players such as Braxton Bragg, Michael Forret, Nestor German, Levi Wells, Enrique Bradfield Jr., and Aron Estrada are at risk of being drafted by other teams.

To protect these assets, the club may trade off additional players or remove relievers who have not performed adequately. The management must balance the need to improve the 2027 major league team with the imperative to retain its most promising young talent. The next month will determine how effectively the Orioles navigate these competing priorities.