Orioles shuffle 40-man roster as free agency period opens

The Baltimore Orioles made several roster moves ahead of the free agency period, clearing waivers for five players while adding four others through waiver claims. Outgoing players included outfielder Heston Kjerstad, catcher Yohel Pozo, and right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta, all of whom were outrighted to the minor-league Norfolk Tides and will become free agents.

Leody Taveras also cleared waivers and opted for free agency instead of a minor-league assignment. Meanwhile, the Orioles claimed right-handed pitcher Josh White from the Marlins, left-handed pitcher Philip Abner from the Mets, catcher Zach Morgan from the Giants, and right-handed pitcher Chase Hampton from the Cardinals.

The team also reactivated four players from the 60-day injured list—Kyle Bradish, Ryan Helsley, Tyler O'Neill, and Jordan Westburg—returning them to the 40-man roster ahead of spring training preparations.

The Orioles also extended a qualifying offer to free agent Trevor Rogers, one of eight players to receive such an offer this offseason. Rogers is expected to decline and pursue a multi-year contract elsewhere, which would trigger a compensatory draft pick for Baltimore if the current CBA structure remains in place.

The moves mark the end of notable tenures for Kjerstad, a former top-2 pick whose career was derailed by injuries, and Ryan Mountcastle, whose production declined after the team raised the left-field fence in an attempt to reduce home runs. Both players’ departures signal a shifting roster landscape for the Orioles heading into 2027.

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