This former Dodgers infielder is a perfect fit for the Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have made it no secret that they intend to upgrade their infield depth with veteran additions. During the last ten days, they have added corner infielder J.D. Davis and middle infielder Jean Segura on minor-league contracts. Another infielder has hit the market who, unlike Segura, has actually played this year and should appeal to the Orioles: Amed Rosario.

Rosario was somewhat surprisingly designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers to make room for Mookie Betts, who was returning from a hand fracture. The Dodgers had only just acquired Rosario from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 29, 2024, marking the second straight trade deadline that Los Angeles had traded for the Swiss-army knife utility player.

Unlike 2023, however, when Rosario had 125 at bats with the Dodgers after being acquired for right-hander Noah Syndergaard, Rosario only managed 11 at-bats with the Dodgers this time, recording three hits and scoring one run.

Notwithstanding his surprise DFA, Rosario would be a strong fit for an Orioles team clearly looking to upgrade its infield depth following injuries to Jordan Westburg and Jorge Mateo. Acquired from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade, Rosario played well for the Guardians before his first trade to the Dodgers in 2023. His best season came in 2022, where he recorded 180 hits en route to a .283 batting average, 11 home runs and 71 RBIs as the Guardians regular shortstop. While he has not since matched his production from 2022, Rosario remains a solid contact hitter who could help the Orioles.

The Orioles should claim Amed Rosario following his surprise DFA from the Dodgers

Unlike Segura, who tailed off significantly in 2023 with a .556 OPS, Rosario has played well in 2024. After finishing 2023 with the Dodgers, Rosario signed with the Rays, where he batted .307 over 264 at-bats before his brief return to Los Angeles.

Now, Rosario finds himself in "DFA limbo," where every team will have an opportunity to claim him. Due to his value to a contending team as a utility infielder, chances are Rosario will be claimed before he reaches the Orioles in the claim process. Indeed, claim order works in reverse order of record: with the best record in the American League, the Orioles could only claim Rosario if every team but the Yankees (who may also have interest) passes.

If the Orioles are able to claim Rosario, they must add him to their 40-man roster. Based on their use of Coby Mayo - or lack thereof - it is fair to assume they would option Mayo and designate someone from their 40-man roster - such as the struggling Bryan Baker or recently added Livan Soto - for assignment.

An infielder by trade, Rosario has started 22 games in right field between the Rays and Dodgers this year. While the Orioles seem comfortable starting Austin Slater in the outfield against lefties, Rosario would give them another option. He would also likely back up Jackson Holliday at second and split time with Ramon Urias at third.

To be sure, no one will call Amed Rosario the most exciting option as the Orioles try to hold themselves together until Jordan Westburg returns. With the trade deadline passed, more "exciting" options are simply unavailable. But for a team clearly interested in adding veteran depth for its bench, claiming the versatile Rosario seems to be one of their best options.