Yesterday, the Orioles made the following roster moves:

• Claimed OF Will Robertson off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Claimed C Drew Romo off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
• Designated 1B/OF Ryan Noda for assignment.

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

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher RYAN HELSLEY on a two-year major league contract for the 2026-27 seasons with a player opt-out following 2026.

Helsley, 31, is a two-time All-Star and the 2024 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. He went 3-4 with 21 saves, a 4.50 ERA (28 ER/56.0 IP), 61 hits (8 HR), 25 walks (3 IBB), and 63 strikeouts in 58 appearances between the St. Louis Cardinals (36 G) and New York Mets (22 G) last season. All 21 saves came with the Cardinals before being acquired by the Mets in exchange for three minor leaguers on July 30. The right-hander has recorded 77 saves since returning from injury on September 1, 2023, second most in the majors during that period behind Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase (79 SV). The Tahlequah, Okla. native set the Cardinals single-season saves record with 49 in 2024, the most by a major leaguer since New York-NL’s Edwin Díaz (57 SV) in 2018.

Since the start of 2022, opponents are batting .141 (50-for-354) against his slider, the sixth-lowest average among major league relievers off a single pitch (min. 250 AB) during that time. According to Baseball Savant, Helsley’s slider had a run value of 12 in 2025, tied for the fifth best in the majors. He was also tied for fifth in slider run value with 13 in 2024, but the pitch’s run value per 100 pitches was 2.8, the best in the majors on a slider and tied for the third-best pitch in the majors that season behind Cleveland’s Cade Smith’s four-seam fastball (3.0 RV/100) and Emmanuel Clase’s cutter (3.1 RV/100).

Helsley was originally selected by St. Louis in the fifth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Northeastern State University (OK). In 297 career appearances between the Cardinals (275 G) and Mets (22 G), he’s 31-18 with 105 saves, a 2.96 ERA (105 ER/319.2 IP), and 377 strikeouts.

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

The Nationals have avoided salary arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract for 2026 with Riley Adams.

The Nationals have also tendered contracts to all of our other unsigned 40-Man Roster players.

The 40-Man Roster remains at 37.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Tendered 2026 contracts to LHP Keegan Akin, RHP Kyle Bradish, RHP Yennier Cano, INF Gunnar Henderson, RHP Dean Kremer, INF Ryan Mountcastle, LHP Trevor Rogers, C Adley Rutschman, OF Taylor Ward, and RHP Tyler Wells, as well as all pre-arbitration 40-man players.
• Agreed to terms with RHP Félix Bautista on a one-year contract for the 2026 season, avoiding arbitration.
• Declined to tender a contract to RHP Albert Suárez, allowing him to become a free agent.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 38 players.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

OF Pedro León claimed off outright waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Orioles have acquired minor league INF Payton Eeles from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for C Alex Jackson.

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

The Orioles today announced the return of the weekly “Orioles Hot Stove Show” on WBAL NewsRadio, the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network. Beginning Thursday, December 4, fans can tune into AM 1090, FM 101.5, and WBAL.com each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. ET as Orioles broadcasters BRETT HOLLANDER and BEN WAGNER, and MASN insider ROCH KUBATKO provide Orioles news, analysis, exclusive interviews, and more.

The show will air each Thursday beginning December 4, until the team reports to Spring Training in mid-February, with some exceptions. For more information, including updates on live show dates and locations, visit Orioles.com/HotStove.

Turkeypalooza will distribute 1,100 complete holiday meal kits
at four locations across the region from Nov. 24-26

Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals, will distribute 1,100 turkeys and thousands of pounds of food during Turkeypalooza. The annual event serves families across the region, supporting residents with four pick-up locations from Monday, Nov. 24, through Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Now in its eighth year, Turkeypalooza will provide meal kits, including a turkey, fresh produce, and shelf-stable sides like stuffing and macaroni and cheese, with support from Washington Nationals Community Impact Partner AARP, Giant Food and DoorDash.

“Nationals Philanthropies tackles food insecurity throughout the year through nutrition education, a weekly produce market and grants that improve access to healthy food in the communities with the greatest need,” said Lauren McCarthy, Vice President and Executive Director, Washington Nationals Philanthropies. “We are grateful that we can serve so many families across the region this holiday season with support from partners like AARP, Giant Food and DoorDash.”

Turkeypalooza will distribute Thanksgiving meals at locations throughout the region, which have been selected based on the needs of residents. Each distribution will begin at 3:00 p.m. The four locations include:

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired outfielder TAYLOR WARD from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher GRAYSON RODRIGUEZ.

Ward, 31, slashed .228/.317/.475 (132-for-579) with 31 doubles, two triples, 36 home runs, 86 runs scored, 103 RBI, and 75 walks in 157 games last season, setting career highs in games played, runs, doubles, homers, RBI, walks, slugging percentage, extra-base hits (69), and total bases (275). He finished tied for fifth in the AL in home runs, ranked sixth in RBI, and seventh in walks and extra-base hits. Ward became the third Angel since 2018 to drive in 100 runs, along with Mike Trout (104 RBI, 2019) and Shohei Ohtani (100 RBI, 2021). Of his 36 home runs, 35 came as the left fielder, setting the team’s franchise record (since 1961) for that position.

Ward has spent his entire major league career with the Angels after being selected in the first round (26^th overall) of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Fresno State University (CA). He became the 21^st Angel to hit 100 home runs with the team on July 19, 2025 at Philadelphia, doing so in his 643^rd game with the Halos. His six career grand slams, all hit since 2021, are tied for second most in the AL during that time.

Rodriguez, 26, was selected by the Orioles in the first round (11^th overall) of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Central Heights (TX) High School. He missed the 2025 season with right elbow inflammation and a right lat strain. In two major league seasons with Baltimore from 2023-24, Rodriguez went 20-8 with a 4.11 ERA (109 ER/238.2 IP) and 259 strikeouts in 43 games started.

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

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Selected the contracts of RHP Cameron Foster and OF Reed Trimble from Triple-A Norfolk.
• Designated OF Pedro León and INF Luis Vázquez for assignment.

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

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2026 minor league contract with RHP Jeisson Cabrera.

The Washington Nationals selected the contracts of left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, right-handed pitcher Riley Cornelio and outfielder Christian Franklin on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni made the announcements.

Bennett, 24, went 2-5 with a 2.27 ERA, 64 strikeouts and 19 walks in 75.1 innings across 19 games (18 starts) between Single-A Fredericksburg, High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg in 2025, his second professional season. The No. 6 prospect in the organization according to Baseball America, Bennett posted a 0.87 ERA (2 ER/20.2 IP) with 20 strikeouts in six starts from June 15-July 13 for Wilmington before being promoted to Harrisburg on July 22.

Bennett is coming off an Arizona Fall League season in which he led the league in strikeouts (25) and finished second in innings pitched (20.0) in five games (four starts) for Scottsdale.

A native of Bixby, Oklahoma, Bennett was originally selected in the second round of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. He’s pitched to a 2.67 ERA with 137 strikeouts and a .238 opponents’ batting average in 34 professional games since the start of the 2023 season.

Cornelio, 25, was Washington’s 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year after leading the system in ERA (3.28), opponents average (.205) and starts (26) and ranked second in strikeouts (135), WHIP (1.15) and innings (134.1). He went 6-7 with a 3.28 ERA, 135 strikeouts and 55 walks in 134.1 innings across 27 games (26 starts) between High-A Wilmington, Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester, setting career marks in nearly every category during his fourth professional season.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2026 minor league contract with RHP Richard Guasch.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• RHP Carson Ragsdale and LHP Josh Walker claimed off outright waivers by the Atlanta Braves.

Nationals open home schedule Friday, April 3, at 1:05 p.m. ET vs. Dodgers 

The Washington Nationals today announced first pitch times for the team’s 2026 regular-season home schedule, opening next year’s Nationals Park slate on Friday, April 3, at 1:05 p.m. against the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans can guarantee access to Opening Day tickets by purchasing a 2026 Full, Half or Partial Season Package. Visit nats.com/Tickets for more information.

Fans can get an early look at the 2026 squad on Monday, March 23, as the Nationals host the Baltimore Orioles for an exhibition contest. The game is part of a multi-year agreement with the Beltway rivals, which places one game at Nationals Park and another at Oriole Park at Camden Yards each year through 2029. Following this year’s exhibition game in Washington, D.C., Nationals Philanthropies hosts its annual Homecoming Gala at The Anthem, featuring red carpet arrivals and special activities for fans.

For the 14th consecutive season, the Nationals will kickstart MLB’s slate of Fourth of July games, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 11:05 a.m. first pitch. A special showcase of the national pastime in our nation’s capital, the game will offer plenty of pageantry and patriotism leading into a slate of special events around the District in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Washington Nationals home start times will remain consistent with the previous two years, as evening games begin at 6:45 p.m.; Saturday afternoon games start at 4:05 p.m.; Sunday games at 1:35 p.m.; and most weekday afternoon games at 12:05 or 1:05 p.m.

The Washington Nationals officially named Simon Mathews the team’s pitching coach on Tuesday. The announcement was made by Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni and Manager Blake Butera.

Mathews, 30, joins the Nationals after five seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, most recently as their assistant pitching coach in 2025. He spent four seasons in Cincinnati’s Minor League system, serving as their assistant coordinator of rehabilitation and pitching initiatives (2023-24), rehab pitching coordinator (2022) and, in his first season in 2021, implemented the club’s pitching program at its academy in the Dominican Republic.

“Simon brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and a wide range of experience to our staff,” said Butera. “He is grounded, has great perspective on pitching and connects incredibly well with players at all levels. He is widely respected throughout the game and the type of coach that makes everyone around him better. Simon is a tireless worker and is uniquely equipped to help our pitchers reach their full potential.”

Mathews was the director of pitching at Push Performance in Tempe, Ariz. and an online trainer at Driveline Baseball prior to joining the Reds organization in 2021. In those roles, he designed throwing programs for pitchers, with an emphasis on improving movement patterns and velocity and promoted arm health.

Mathews signed with the Los Angeles Angels as a non-drafted free agent following the 2017 First-Year Player Draft and went on to pitch three seasons (2017-19) in their system. He appeared in 71 professional games, advancing as high as Triple-A Salt Lake in 2018 and 2019.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2026 minor league contract with RHP Enoli Paredes.

The Washington Nationals officially named Michael Johns the team’s bench coach on Monday. The announcement was made by Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni and Manager Blake Butera.

Johns, 50, brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience to Washington’s staff, most recently as the first base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays the last two seasons (2024-25). Prior to that role, he managed Triple-A Durham in 2023, leading the club to an 88-62 record and an appearance in the International League Championship Series.

“Michael shares the same values that are important to me and to our organization,” said Butera. “He’s humble, has an incredible work ethic, and his preparation and attention to detail are unmatched. He played a major role in building Tampa Bay’s player development system and brings valuable recent Major League experience. More than anything, I know he’ll do everything he can to help our players, staff and organization succeed.”

Johns was Tampa Bay’s Minor League field coordinator for five seasons (2018-22), having moved to that position after managing Single-A Charlotte (2015-17), where he led the club to its only Florida State League championship in 2015. Prior to that, Johns managed Single-A Bowling Green (2014), Single-A Hudson Valley (2013) and Rookie-level Princeton (2010-12). He joined the coaching ranks in 2008, spending two seasons on Hudson Valley’s coaching staff.

Prior to joining the Tampa Bay Rays, Johns was the head coach at Orange Park (Fla.) High School from 2004-07 and prior to that, was an assistant coach at Fernandina Beach (Fla.) High School.

The Nationals have announced the following roster moves:

-Trey Lipscomb cleared outright waivers, and he has been assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester.

-The Seattle Mariners claimed Ryan Loutos off of outright waivers.

-Reinstated Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Drew Millas, and Trevor Williams from the 60-Day Injured List.

-The Miami Marlins claimed Zach Brzykcy off of outright waivers.

Unique slate of themes and items include a Jackson Holliday & Coconut bobblehead, Hawaiian Shirt Weekend with kids-sized shirts, Samuel Basallo, Gunnar Henderson & Jordan Westburg bobbleheads, and a Maryland-themed replica jersey

The Orioles today announced the 2026 promotional schedule, which is highlighted by unique new items and returning fan favorites. Additional details, including quantities and imagery of the full slate of items, will be unveiled at a later date. New this year is a Fan Choice Item, where fans will have the opportunity to select one of the final giveaways of the season as part of Fan Appreciation Weekend.

Home game times are now available at Orioles.com/Schedule. The on-sale date for single game tickets will be announced soon. Fans can sign up to be a Birdland Member, the best way to secure the top seats at a great value with exclusive benefits including unmatched flexibility, priority ticket and event access, discounts, and new for 2026, guaranteed gate giveaways. For more information, visit Orioles.com/Memberships.

The Birdland Hawaiian Shirt will return this year, again featured at two separate games (July 24 and July 25), and for the first time ever, a third date on Sunday, July 26, when kids will receive a youth-sized version. Other returning fan favorites include the Hockey Jersey (April 25), Pride Jersey (June 26), and Floppy Hat (July 10). The bobbleheads will include JACKSON HOLLIDAY with his dog COCONUT (April 11), SAMUEL BASALLO (May 23), JORDAN WESTBURG (May 30), and GUNNAR HENDERSON (June 27).

New Orioles themed giveaways for 2026 include a KYLE BRADISH Jersey Hoodie (March 28), Denim Crab Cap (May 10), Hot Dog Race Caps (July 11), a Hispanic Heritage Jersey as part of Hispanic Heritage Night (September 18), and various items exclusive to kids.