Orioles news: Roansy Contreras returns to Baltimore, depth outfielder DFA'd

On Friday afternoon, the Orioles claimed RHP Roansy Contreras off waivers. It's the second time in the last 30 days that the Orioles have claimed him, and the fifth time in total that he's been claimed off waivers this winter. He'd recently been designated for assignment by the Yankees. Interestingly, the Yankees have not announced a corresponding move to fill their 40-man roster.

Contreras finished the 2024 season with the Angels, but initially came to Baltimore back in early January after making brief stops with the Rangers and Reds. It's not entirely clear why the righty can't seem to stick on any of these rosters. However, given the fact that we're so close to pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, he might wind up in Sarasota with the Orioles just based on the time frame.

Contreras was an interesting prospect but he hasn't been able to capitalize on his opportunities at the major league level to this point. He functioned primarily as a starter when he was with the Pirates and pitched to an intriguing 3.79 ERA back in 2022. He unfortunately followed that up with a dismal effort in 2023 and was summarily shifted to the bullpen, as 46 of his 49 appearances in 2024 were made in relief.

Orioles claim Roansy Contreras off waivers, designate outfielder Daz Cameron for assignment

In a corresponding move, the Orioles chose to designate outfielder Daz Cameron for assignment. It's a move that many Orioles fans might have seen coming, given the recent signings of Dylan Carlson and Ramon Laureano. Both Carlson and Laureano offer a bit more upside than Cameron does at this point, and it's tough to blame the Orioles for making this move.

Cameron was out of minor league options, unlike Carlson who can be shuttled back and forth between Baltimore and Norfolk. Laureano is expected to be the fourth outfielder for Opening Day. That doesn't include outfielder Heston Kjerstad, who fans rightly want to see get increased playing time in 2025.

As such, Cameron's status in Baltimore had been up in the air. It wasn't easy to see a path to playing time for him given the outfield log jam, especially given the lack of roster flexibility with him being out of options. We'll see if he passes through waivers. He's a solid defensive outfielder but his bat fell off dramatically in 2024 so it's not clear if he'll wind up getting claimed.

In addition to Cameron and Contreras, the recently DFA'd Luis Vasquez has reportedly passed through waivers and has been sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk. Vasquez was recently acquired in a small trade with the Cubs, in which the Orioles sent cash back to Chicago.