We are just nine days away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and the Baltimore Orioles are not done with signing players as of yet.
According to multiple industry sources, the Orioles have signed outfielder Ramón Laureano to a one-year deal worth $4 million. The agreement also includes a club option for 2026.
Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in 2014, Laureano would make his MLB debut with the Athletics in 2018 after being traded in 2017. He had a solid start to his career, hitting for a .288 average in 2018 and 2019 while having an .860 OPS in 2019.
Laureano would show some regression from 2020 to 2022, having a .710 OPS in 236 games. He would collect 196 hits during this span, including 33 home runs and 98 RBIs.
The Dominican native would be placed on waivers and be claimed by the Cleveland Guardians to finish the 2023 season. His 2024 season, however, would be interesting after he left Cleveland.
The 30-year-old veteran would sign a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves and really had a good final 67 games of the season, when he slashed .296/.327/.505 with a .832 OPS. With Atlanta, he collected 64 hits, 13 doubles and 10 home runs while knocking in 29 RBIs.
In total, Laureano has posted a 13.9 WAR, 521 total hits, 82 home runs and 252 RBIs since his debut in 2018. Specifically, he thrives against left-handed pitching, hitting .274 with 21 homers and 76 RBIs against southpaws.
Known for making outstanding plays in the outfield, Laureano has a career fielding percentage of .985, with 49 assists and 21 defensive runs saved under his belt.
This signing marks the fourth outfielder acquisition of the offseason for GM Mike Elias, and it raises some questions. The outfield is crowded right now, and that definitely could indicate a trade could be on the horizon.
To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Luis Vázquez has been designated for assignment.
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