The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline is officially underway, and the Baltimore Orioles have made its first move, acquiring catcher Jake Rogers from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for minor-league right-handeder Zane Barnhart.
Rogers, 31, was designated for assignment by Detroit on July 28 after spending parts of six seasons with the organization. In 367 career games with the Tigers, he slashed .197/.270/.379 with a .649 OPS, collecting 213 hits, 42 doubles, seven triples, 47 home runs and providing strong defense behind the plate.
Rogers is out of minor-league options, which means he will need to be added to the O’s 26-man roster. That means either recently-acquired Yohel Pozo will be optioned to the minor leagues or Chadwick Tromp, who is also out of options, will be designated for assignment.
The Orioles sent 2023 17th-round pick Zane Barnhart to Detroit in return. The 24-year-old has yet to make his professional debut, reaching as high as the Double-A level.
In parts of four seasons in the Orioles organization, Barnhart has a career 8-12 record in 111 games, all as a reliever. He owns a career 3.41 ERA and 1.237 WHIP with 167 strikeouts and 80 walks in just over 150 innings.
This move is all about organizational depth. With both Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo currently sidelined, adding an experienced catcher gives the Orioles another reliable option behind the plate while also bringing a veteran presence.
Rogers was well-respected in Detroit for his leadership and was a popular figure among both teammates and Tigers fans. He was even top trade target Tarik Skubal‘s preferred backstop with Detroit.
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