Orioles continue trend of adding flawed young sluggers with latest waiver claim

While the Baltimore Orioles have certainly made some high-profile moves this offseason for a change, they have also been busy adding depth with minor moves that have real upside. Just a few days ago, Baltimore claimed slugger Jhonkensy Noel after he failed to show much of a hit tool in the majors with the Guardians. The chances are small that he turns into anything significant, but Noel could be an impact bat if the Orioles get a bit lucky. Wednesday's waiver claim from the Pirates has a very similar vibe.

It was not long ago at all that Marco Luciano was considered one of the more exciting young bats in the minor leagues when he was with the Giants. After San Francisco signed him for $2.6 million out of the Dominican Republic, scouts raved about Luciano's raw power and insane bat speed. Unfortunately, those raw tools have translated to production in the majors, and the Giants moved on before the Pirates flirted with keeping him around for a couple of weeks this offseason before designating him for assignment.

Well, the Orioles apparently liked what they saw from him enough to be the latest team to give him a shot after Baltimore claimed Luciano off of waivers.

Orioles claim Marco Luciano off of waivers in their latest attempt at a reclamation project

As far as low-risk lottery ticket projects, Luciano has a lot to work with. Strikeouts have certainly been a problem for Luciano as a professional, but he still possesses at least plus raw power and does have a strong walk rate. Hitting .213 in Triple-A last year in one of the most hitter-friendly leagues in the minors isn't encouraging, but he at least has some good raw material to try and mold.

In a lot of ways, adding Luciano is the continuation of a trend that has taken root this offseason with the Orioles. Not only did they take a flyer on Noel, but they prioritized signing Pete Alonso, who is an elite slugger, but who doesn't exactly have much of an all-around game at his disposal. They also traded for Taylor Ward, who is a bit more well-rounded, but not by much. Clearly, Baltimore wants more power in the organization, and they have certainly delivered on that goal.

Luciano doesn't need to work out for the Orioles to reach their goal. They have already added more reliable sources of power elsewhere. However, Luciano does represent a bit of a backup plan and a potential upside play if Baltimore can figure out how to get him to cut down on the swing and miss.