Orioles News: Cordero/Diaz, WBC, and other MLB news

Aug 26, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Franchy Cordero (16) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Franchy Cordero (16) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning! We hope this finds you well. I’m nervously pacing my apartment in anticipation of the US/Netherlands World Cup match, but you know I wasn’t going to forget the Orioles news roundup. We have some transactions to discuss, so let’s get into it!

Orioles News 12/3/22 – Cordero/Diaz reaction and more MLB news

Orioles sign 1B/OF Franchy Cordero, claim 1B Lewin Diaz

The Baltimore Orioles are on the board! They made their first signing of the young offseason, agreeing to a minor league contract with 1B/OF Franchy Cordero that includes a major league option. The journeyman has a strikeout problem to say the least, but absolutely mashes the ball when he happens to connect. The Orioles offense would be in a bit of trouble if Cordero was expected to be a regular starter, but this appears to be no more than an attempt to accumulate bench depth, which fits his skillset much better.

First baseman Lewin Diaz, 26, was claimed off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Diaz is a former high profile international signing who hasn’t quite panned out at the big league level, but is a standout defensively.

For a more in-depth breakdown of Cordero and Diaz, look no further than Birds Watcher.

O’s Representing in the World Baseball Classic

The 2023 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner with games just three months away, and several of our own Baltimore Orioles will be representing their respective countries in the competition. For a comprehensive look at the players involved in the WBC, click here!

Jacob, Texas Ranger

Baseball Twitter collectively broke Friday night when Jeff Passan broke the news that ace Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers agreed to a five year, $185 million contract with a sixth year option. Texas had been rumored to be a suitor for deGrom but the Mets were considered the favorite. It’s hard to imagine Mets owner Steve Cohen would allow himself to be outbid on deGrom given his YOLO approach to spending, but the club must now pivot to other options. Retaining outfielder Brandon Nimmo would ostensibly be of utmost importance now, as well.