The Baltimore Orioles today announced the following promotions within the scouting departments in Baseball Operations: MATT BLOOD has been promoted from Director, Player Development to Vice President, Player Development and Domestic Scouting; KOBY PEREZ has been promoted from Senior Director, International Scouting to Vice President, International Scouting and Operations; MIKE SNYDER has been promoted from Director, Pro Scouting to Senior Director, Pro Scouting; GERARDO CABRERA has been promoted from Latin American Supervisor to Director, Latin American Scouting; KEVIN CARTER has been promoted from Senior Analyst, Pro Scouting to Manager, Pro Scouting; HENDRIK HERZ has been promoted from Senior Analyst, Scouting to Manager, Domestic Scouting Analysis; CHAD TATUM has been promoted from Senior Analyst, Scouting to Manager, Domestic Scouting; WILL ROBERTSON has been promoted from Senior Analyst, Pro Scouting to Special Assignment Scout; ALEX TARANDEK has been promoted from Analyst, Scouting to Senior Analyst, Scouting; MICHAEL WEIS has been named Senior Data Scientist, Draft Evaluation, and MARIA ARELLANO has been named Senior Manager, International Operations and Baseball Administration.

“We are very proud to announce this wave of promotions for a group of exceptionally talented and hard-working people,” said MIKE ELIAS, Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Each has played a vital role in the recent success of the franchise, including the numerous accolades for our top-ranked farm system, the expansion of our international scouting presence, and of course bringing the AL East championship back to Baltimore with a historic 101-win season. I would like to congratulate each of these individuals on their well-deserved promotions and thank John Angelos and the entire partnership group for their steadfast support and investment in Orioles baseball.”

Blood will be responsible for overseeing the Orioles’ player development and domestic scouting operations, including staff recruitment and development, implementation of player development strategies and programs throughout the entire minor league system, and First-Year Player Draft operations. He will continue to report to Elias. Blood joined the Orioles organization as the Director of Player Development in September of 2019. During his tenure, the Orioles have ascended organizational farm system rankings, now rated as the top system in all of baseball by Baseball America, ESPN, and MLB Pipeline. He has 12 years of Major League experience and has spent 18 years in professional and amateur baseball. Prior to joining the Orioles, Blood served as the Director of Player Development for the Texas Rangers for the 2019 season. He also worked for the St. Louis Cardinals as an area scout from 2009-15 and served as the Team Director for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team from 2016-18. Blood graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2007 with a degree in economics. He resides in Baltimore with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Henry and Ben.

The public has voted and now the 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) Bird House have names! In June, Bird House keepers celebrated the arrival of seven orchard oriole chicks—the first of their species to hatch in human care—which hatched in the Bird Friendly Coffee Farm Aviary. That same month, three Baltimore oriole chicks hatched in the same exhibit, in a nearby tree. Both species are native to Maryland, and the Baltimore oriole is the state bird of Maryland. Given the chicks’ significance and the species’ ties to the region, NZCBI partnered with Maryland Governor Wes Moore to name these special birds.

The winning names for the orchard oriole chicks are: 

• Charm – Baltimore’s nickname is Charm City
• Chessie – The Chesapeake Bay estuary borders both sides of Maryland
• Crabcake – Maryland’s favorite seafood dish
• Harriet – Marylander Harriet Tubman guided enslaved people to freedom as a conductor of the Underground Railroad
• Thurgood – Marylander Thurgood Marshall served as the Supreme Court’s first African American justice from 1967 to 1991
• Zappa – Famed musician Frank Zappa was born in Baltimore, Maryland
• Francis – Marylander Francis Scott Key authored “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States 

In choosing names for our three Baltimore oriole chicks, Governor Wes Moore was inspired by Maryland’s own Major League Baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles! The first chick was named in honor of “Mr. Oriole” himself, former third baseman and Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. The second chick’s moniker honors former shortstop and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. Moore bestowed the name Adam Jones on the third chick, honoring the former outfielder and five-time MLB All-Star. 

Visit the new Bird House at the Zoo to see and learn more about these special birds and so many more!

The Washington Nationals announced the hiring of three members in their scouting department on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

• Danny Haas – Vice President, Amateur Scouting
• Brad Ciolek – Senior Director, Amateur Scouting
• Reed Dunn – Assistant Director & National Crosschecker, Amateur Scouting

Haas, 47, joins the Nationals after spending the previous five seasons (2019-23) as a special assignment scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to his time with Arizona, Haas worked for the Baltimore Orioles from 2012-18, first as a national crosschecker (2012-14) before being promoted to special assistant to the executive vice president of baseball operations (2015-18). He worked for the Boston Red Sox from 2002 to 2011, spending the final six seasons (2006-11) as a regional crosschecker, and in 2004, was named Boston’s Scout of the Year. He joined the scouting ranks with the Red Sox in 2002 after a five-year professional career from 1997 to 2001. A native of Paducah, Kentucky, Haas played college baseball at both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. He was selected by the Red Sox the 18^th round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisville where he earned a degree in criminal justice. 

Ciolek, 37, spent last 12 years as a member of the Baltimore Orioles scouting department, most recently as their director of draft operations (2022-23). Prior to that role, he served as their supervisor of domestic scouting operations (2019-22), assistant director of scouting (2017-19) and scouting administrator (2013-16). He joined the Orioles in 2011 as a player development intern at their complex in Sarasota, Florida. Prior to joining Baltimore, he spent four seasons (2007-10) with the New York Mets and one year (2012) as an analyst for Bloomberg Sports. Ciolek graduated from Seton Hall University in 2009 with a degree business administration and earned his Master of Business Administration in computer information systems from Colorado State University in 2017.

Dunn, 39, returns to the Nationals after working in the Atlanta Braves amateur scouting department from 2014-2023, most recently as their East Coast crosschecker. Dunn’s regional scouting coverage included the drafting of players such as Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright, among others. Dunn began his career in baseball with the Washington Nationals in 2007 as a scouting assistant, a role he held until 2009, until he was promoted to scouting coordinator. He was promoted to area scout in 2010 and spent the next four years covering amateur players in Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Dunn graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2007 with a degree in sports management.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• RHP Jorge López has cleared outright waivers and elected free agency in lieu of accepting an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled LHP Bruce Zimmermann from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Designated RHP Jorge López for assignment.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

The Orioles today announced the winners of their player development and scouting awards for 2023, including shortstop JACKSON HOLLIDAY as the club’s top minor league player and right-handed pitcher CHAYCE McDERMOTT as the club’s top minor league pitcher. Norfolk Manager BUCK BRITTON and Area Scout DAVE JENNINGS will also be honored for their contributions to the organization. Jennings will be recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox tonight, with his award presented by Director of Draft Operations BRAD CIOLEK. With Triple-A Norfolk winning the International League, Holliday, McDermott, and Britton will be in Las Vegas for the Triple-A National Championship tonight and unable to attend.

Holliday, 19, slashed .323/.442/.499 (154-for-477) with 30 doubles, nine triples, 12 homers, 113 runs scored, 75 RBI, 101 walks, and 24 stolen bases in 125 regular season games between Single-A Delmarva, High-A Aberdeen, Double-A Bowie, and Triple-A Norfolk. He led the minors in runs scored, becoming the first O’s minor leaguer since at least 2005 to accomplish the feat, and ranked among qualified full-season minor leaguers in on-base percentage (5^th) and walks (T-5^th). Holliday led the organization in batting average, on-base percentage, runs, triples, and walks while ranking among the leaders in hits (2^nd), OPS (3^rd, .941), slugging percentage (4^th), total bases (4^th, 238), and doubles (T-4^th). He represented the organization at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, won South Atlantic League and O’s Minor League Player of the Month in May, and was Player of the Week in the Carolina League for the period April 17-23 and in the South Atlantic League for the period May 15-21. Holliday was recently named the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year, marking the second straight year an Oriole earned the honor (Gunnar Henderson). Baltimore selected him No. 1 overall in the 2022 First-Year Player Draft out of Stillwater High School (OK). He is the top-ranked MLB prospect by Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, and ESPN.

McDermott, 25, enjoyed his first full season in the organization, going 8-8 with one save and a 3.10 ERA (41 ER/119.0 IP) with 69 hits, 44 total runs, nine home runs, five hit batters, 68 walks, and 152 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .167 average (69-for-413) in 26 games (22 starts) between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. He led all qualified full-season minor leaguers in opponent average while ranking among O’s organizational leaders in strikeouts (2^nd), ERA (2^nd), wins (T-2^nd), starts (3^rd), innings (4^th), and WHIP (3^rd, 1.15). McDermott was a two-time International League Pitcher of the Week, earning the honor in back-to-back periods from July 24-30 and July 31-August 6, and won the organization’s Pitcher of the Month in August. He was acquired by the Orioles at last year’s trade deadline as part of a three-team trade with Houston and Tampa Bay after being selected by the Astros in the fourth round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Ball State University (IN). He is currently ranked as the No. 10 O’s prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 14 Orioles prospect by Baseball America.

Britton has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, named for the late Orioles coach and manager who is widely regarded as the architect of “The Oriole Way.” Each year, a minor league staff member who exemplifies Ripken’s qualities as an instructor is recognized with the award. Britton led the Tides to the International League Championship, beating Durham 2-1 in the best-of-three series, and to the best record in the league at 90-59 (.604) while setting the franchise record for wins in a season. He helped guide six players to their MLB debuts this season, and in total, 31 different players appeared on both Baltimore’s and Norfolk’s rosters in 2023. Britton just completed his second year as the Triple-A manager and sixth as a coach or manager in the O’s system after enjoying a nine-year playing career, including his first seven in the Orioles organization. He also earned the honor in 2021 when he was the manager with Double-A Bowie and becomes the third multi-time recipient since the award’s inception in 2003, joining Mike Griffin (2009-10) and the late Ron Johnson (2015, 2018).

Jennings was named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles beginning with their move from St. Louis in 1954. Jennings has been in the organization since 2002, proving to be an important member of the scouting operations as he patrols Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Some of his recent signees include current Major Leaguers GUNNAR HENDERSON (John T. Morgan Academy, Ala.) and JORDAN WESTBURG (Mississippi State), current minor leaguers HUDSON HASKIN (Tulane, La.), REED TRIMBLE (Southern Mississippi), and COLLIN BURNS (Tulane, La.), as well as former first-round selections KEVIN GAUSMAN (2012, Louisiana State University), MATT WIETERS (2007, Georgia Tech), and NICK MARKAKIS (2003, Young Harris College, Ga.).

he Orioles today announced that infielder GUNNAR HENDERSON has been voted the winner of the 2023 Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award by members of the local media who cover the team on a regular basis. He will be recognized for his accomplishments during an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

Henderson becomes the fourth rookie to be named the winner of the award since its inception in 1954, joining right-handed pitchers GREGG OLSON in 1989 and RODRIGO LÓPEZ in 2002, as well as catcher ADLEY RUTSCHMAN in 2022.

He enters play today slashing .257/.326/.492 (142-for-553) with 28 doubles, nine triples, 28 home runs, 99 runs scored, 82 RBI, 55 walks, 272 total bases, 10 stolen bases, and an .818 OPS in 148 games. He leads the O’s in runs, surpassing CAL RIPKEN, JR’s. mark of 90 in 1982 for the most in a rookie season in O’s history. He is set to become the fourth rookie to lead the Orioles in runs, joining Ripken, Jr., WILLIE TASBY (1959, 69), and TITO FRANCONA (1956, 62). He is the third rookie in O's history to record 25+ doubles and 25+ home runs, joining Ripken, Jr. and EDDIE MURRAY (1977), who both won American League Rookie of the Year. His 28 homers are tied with Ripken, Jr. for the second-most by a rookie in a season in O's history, behind only RYAN MOUNTCASTLE (33 in 2021), and his 65 extra-base hits are tied with Ripken, Jr. for the most in a rookie season in O's history. He is the first rookie in team history with 20+ doubles, 5+ triples, 20+ homers, and 10+ stolen bases, and the 20^th rookie in Major League Baseball history with such a stat line, joining Arizona's Corbin Carroll this year, and the first in the AL since Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. in 2022.

The Alabama native leads the Orioles and MLB rookies in Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (bWAR) with 6.1, which ranks third among all AL hitters. That is currently the best bWAR by a rookie in Orioles history, surpassing Rutschman’s mark of 5.2. He leads AL rookies and ranks second on the O’s in FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) with 4.7, which is the third-best mark by a rookie in O’s history, trailing Rutschman and BOBBY GRICH (1972) with 5.4. Henderson also leads the Orioles in triples, ranks tied for the lead in home runs, second in extra-base hits and RBI, tied for second in walks, third in games played, and fourth in hits and stolen bases. Among qualified Orioles batters, he leads the team in slugging and OPS and ranks second in on-base percentage.

Henderson paces MLB rookies in home runs and ranks tied for the lead in extra-base hits. He leads AL rookies in runs, RBI, total bases, triples, and game-winning RBI (10), while ranking among AL rookie leaders in hits (2^nd), doubles (2^nd), and walks (4^th). According to STATS, he leads qualified AL rookies in slugging percentage while ranking among the leaders in OPS (2^nd) and on-base percentage (4^th).

The Orioles announced a renewed partnership with GOVERNOR WES MOORE, the State of Maryland, and the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA). This agreement secures 30 more years of the Orioles at their iconic home of Camden Yards and brings with it the opportunity to reimagine the land surrounding the ballpark, marking private sector investment and development as the centerpieces to revitalize Downtown Baltimore. Additionally, Camden Yards will receive funds to modernize and upgrade much-needed areas of operation. 

This new agreement is the culmination of a complex and innovative vision that began with the restructuring of the Orioles Organization.

“We had three goals in 2019 when we organized the Orioles management team,” said Orioles Chair and Managing Partner JOHN ANGELOS. “We set out to remake the Club to be a consistently competitive winner on the field, and to create a strong business and fiscal foundation to be able to do so at the highest level to sustain that competitiveness – and to completely reinvent and extend the Orioles’ partnership with the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland for the next three decades to ensure that the O’s would be in Baltimore up to and through our 100^th anniversary. We have been very fortunate that we have achieved all of these goals.” 

The partnership with the State of Maryland includes a 99-year ground lease for select areas around the Ballpark north of Lee Street, including the B&O Warehouse and Camden Station, giving way to more private investment opportunities and spurring economic development. Also included in the deal is the changing of hands for operations and maintenance responsibilities from the MSA to the Orioles Organization.

“I could not be more thrilled to spend decades watching the Orioles win titles in Baltimore,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This deal is not only a good use of state resources but will also drive economic growth in downtown and across the city. Today, we take a big step toward a more vibrant and thriving Baltimore–with good-paying jobs, a diversified economy, and opportunity for all. This deal is good for the city and the state, and I’m grateful for the partnership that got us to this day. The Baltimore renaissance is here."

Postseason baseball is an exciting time for any baseball fan. And if you’re an Orioles fan, it’s especially thrilling this season. But with high-stakes baseball also comes national broadcasts and the absence of familiarity from the broadcast crew you’ve spent the last seven months with.

Fear not, Birdland. Your favorite MASN broadcasters aren’t going anywhere in October. They’ll be right alongside the team, bringing you hour-long “O’s Xtra Postseason” shows before first pitch and immediately following every playoff game on MASN.

Each show throughout the O’s October run will provide expert analysis, exclusive player interviews, behind-the-scenes looks and so much more! You won’t find this kind of local, dedicated coverage anywhere else but on “O’s Xtra Postseason” on MASN.

We’ll be updating our coverage here as details are confirmed, but here’s when you can expect to watch “O’s Xtra Postseason” on MASN in October:

Saturday, Oct. 7
ALDS Game 1: Orioles vs. Rangers at 1:03 p.m. on FS1
“O’s Xtra” pregame: Noon on MASN
“O’s Xtra” postgame: Immediately following game on MASN

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated INF Ryan Mountcastle from the 10-day Injured List (left AC joint inflammation).
• Optioned OF Ryan McKenna to Triple-A Norfolk.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball.”

The Washington Nationals announced the winners of the eighth annual end-of-season awards as voted on by members of the local media. Outfielder Lane Thomas was voted 2023 Nationals Player of the Year, while right-handed pitcher Kyle Finnegan was named Pitcher of the Year. Right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray was given the Good Guy Award, presented to a player for his always-professional dealings with members of the media, his work in the community and for representing the Nationals organization with class both on and off the field.

Thomas, 28, was named Nationals Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He enters play on Friday leading Washington with 26 home runs, 278 total bases, 34 doubles, 96 runs, a .470 slugging percentage and a .790 OPS. He also ranks in the top three in hits (2^nd, 160), RBI (2^nd, 84), stolen bases (2^nd, 19) and on-base percentage (3^rd, .320). Thomas set career highs in 2023 in games (149), at-bats (591), runs, hits, doubles, triples (3), home runs, RBI and stolen bases. Thomas' 34 doubles and 62 extra-base hits are tied for third among National League outfielders. His 26 homers are tied for sixth.

He leads Major League Baseball with a career-high 17 outfield assists and ranks second in Nationals history (2005-pres.) behind only Alfonso Soriano (22 in 2006) for most outfield assists in a single season.

With one more stolen base, Thomas will record the sixth 20 home run - 20 stolen base season in Nationals history (2005-pres.) and the first since 2016.

Since arriving in Washington on Aug. 15, 2021, the Knoxville, Tenn., native is slashing .259/.319/.447, with 74 doubles, seven triples, 50 home runs, 163 RBI, 31 stolen bases and 191 runs in 339 games. He ranks in the top 10 in National League outfielders in doubles (4^th), runs (7^th), RBI (8^th), hits (T8^th) and home runs (10^th) during that time.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled RHP Tyler Wells from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Optioned RHP Mike Baumann to Triple-A Norfolk.

Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:
“On behalf of my family and the entire Washington Nationals organization, I’d like to congratulate Sean on a fantastic career and thank him for all that he’s done for our city and our franchise. An All-Star and a World Series champion, he was not only a fierce competitor, but is one of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Sean and his wife, Eireann, are great examples of individuals who have used their platform and place in life to advocate for others, and I have no doubt that their impact will continue long beyond Sean’s playing career. We are so happy that they’ve made Washington DC their home, and we hope to see them around the ballpark frequently.”

Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Mike Rizzo:
“When we traded for Sean in 2017, we knew we were getting a tremendous reliever and an even better human, and his tenure with the Nationals proved that to be correct. A World Champion, All-Star, and leader in the clubhouse, Sean set an example of what it means to be a pillar of the community. He was as fierce as they come on the mound and took the ball whenever he was called upon. I’d like to congratulate Sean on his outstanding career and wish him and his wife Eireann the absolute best.”

In recognition of Doolittle’s commitment to club and community, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, is proud to support SMYAL, an organization supported by Dolittle and his wife, Eireann, that serves local LGBTQ youth as they grow into adulthood. Nationals Philanthropies will match donations up to $6,300 in honor of Doolittle’s No. 63. Fans can visit give.nats4good.org/ThankYouDoo for more information and to donate. 

Doolittle is scheduled to be in attendance at Friday’s game. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:40 p.m., when pregame ceremonies begin.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Recalled OF Ryan McKenna from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Placed INF Ryan Mountcastle on the 10-day Injured List with left AC joint inflammation, retroactive to September 17.

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, the club announced on Wednesday.

Rizzo, 62, is in his 15th year as the head of Nationals baseball operations, and over the last three seasons has overseen the installation of the key pieces that will comprise the organization’s next championship-caliber team. The 2023 Nationals have the chance to record one of the best season-to-season win improvements in team history, and the player development system is considered among the best in baseball.

“Mike and I have talked and worked with each other almost daily for 17 years. Together with my family and the entire Nationals staff, we’ve always shared the same dream: to make the Washington Nationals a team that our fans could love and be proud of,” said Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “We have all worked collectively to build what was essentially an expansion team with no Major League depth into a contender, and then into a World Series champion. We’ve experienced some tough losing seasons and we’ve hung championship banners, and we’ve done it all together.

“We are once again hard at work to build a championship contender in D.C. We now believe we have the beginnings of a roster filled with promising young players and exciting prospects at nearly every position. While we once talked about winning World Series rings for our baseball-loving fathers, Mike’s family and ours now look forward to winning even more rings for our children and grandchildren — and, of course, for every other Nationals-loving fan and family everywhere. We are excited about our future.”

Rizzo is widely recognized throughout the baseball industry for his sharp eye in scouting, his wise free agent pickups and his ability to construct organizations around acquired talent. Shrewd trades and free agent signings during Rizzo’s tenure with the Nationals have helped the ball club achieve consistent success.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated LHP John Means from the 60-day Injured List (left elbow UCL surgery). He will start tonight’s game.
• Optioned RHP Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Please find below a statement from Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:

Stephen Strasburg is and always will be an important part of the Washington Nationals franchise. We support him in any decision he makes and will ensure that he receives what is due to him.

It is regrettable that private discussions have been made public through anonymous sources attempting to negotiate through the media. While we have been following the process required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, behind-the-scenes preparations for a press conference had begun internally. However, no such event was ever confirmed by the team or promoted publicly. It is unfortunate that external leaks in the press have mischaracterized these events. 

It is our hope that ongoing conversations remain private out of respect for the individuals involved. Until then, we look forward to seeing Stephen when we report to Spring Training.

Sincerely,

The Washington Nationals recalled second baseman Luis García from Triple-A Rochester and placed catcher Riley Adams on the 10-day Injured List with a broken left hamate bone (retroactive to Sept. 7) on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

García, 23, returns to the Nationals after hitting .325 (13-for-40) with three doubles, eight RBI, three walks and six runs scored in his last 11 games with the Red Wings. He hit safely in eight of the 11 games, and in his last three games prior to being recalled, went 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles, including a three-hit effort on Sept. 5 at Syracuse (NYM).

García appeared in 100 games for Washington before being optioned on Aug. 3. He hit .259 with 13 doubles, four triples, six homers, 42 RBI, 21 walks, eight stolen bases and 46 runs scored.

Adams, 27, hit .273 with 13 doubles, two triples, four homers, 21 RBI, 11 walks and eight runs scored in 44 games in 2023.

The Orioles and Major League Baseball today announced that pitcher KYLE GIBSON has been named the Orioles’ 2023 nominee for the esteemed Roberto Clemente Award. The most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB, the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of a Major League player from each club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. 

The Orioles will join all of Major League Baseball in celebrating the 22^nd annual Roberto Clemente Day on Friday, September 15, as they host the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 p.m. ET. This commemorative day was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards, all players will wear a ‘21’ patch on their jersey, and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks. Once again this season, each team’s Clemente nominee will wear ”21” on their uniform, joining players and uniformed personnel from Puerto Rico, previous nominees, and those who have worn “21” on prior Roberto Clemente Days.

As part of the nomination and in recognition of Gibson’s exemplary commitment to serving his community, MLB will make a $7,500 donation to Big League Impact. The Orioles will recognize Gibson in a special on-field ceremony on Friday, September 15.

The nomination­ comes as no surprise to those who have witnessed Gibson's unwavering dedication to both the game of baseball and the betterment of his community. In his first season with the Orioles, Gibson has quickly become a beloved figure among fans, teammates, and the Baltimore community alike. Beyond his achievements on the mound, Gibson's off-field contributions have left an indelible mark in the hearts of many. A three-time nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, while part of three different teams, shows how passionate Gibson is about giving back to the communities he calls home. 

One of Gibson’s focuses this season is interacting with a different group of community members every homestand. Gibson has met with multiple community-based organizations including STAND Mentorship, whose mission is to enrich the lives of young men through educational experiences that will help them to grow and have a positive impact in the future, and Diamonds on the Rise, on organization committed to developing and promoting quality programs that provides a nurturing and thoughtful environment for individuals living with psychiatric diagnoses who may have challenges with their daily living activities. Gibson uses this time to discuss goal setting and the importance of perseverance. He has spoken with active-duty members of the military and their families to learn about their careers and thank them for their service, and he has given private tours of the Orioles’ clubhouse to children battling life threatening illnesses, providing a memorable moment of reprieve for struggling families.