The Orioles today announced plans for a series of “Countdown to Opening Day” events leading up to Major League Baseball’s Opening Day on Thursday, March 28, when the Orioles host the Los Angeles Angels at 3:05 p.m. ET.

Beginning Saturday, March 16, and leading up to Opening Day, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Oriole Bird and Mr. Splash, attend a Spring Training watch party with Orioles Alumni, and visit Oriole Park at Camden Yards to watch an open workout and hear from 2023 American League Manager of the Year BRANDON HYDE and 2023 MLB Executive of the Year MIKE ELIAS. 

A full list of events is below:

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 – PROSPECTIVE BIRDLAND MEMBERS DAY

Fans interested in purchasing a Birdland Membership or suite package are invited to RSVP to visit Oriole Park to discuss membership options for the 2024 season. Those who purchase a membership or suite package will have the opportunity to go on the field and visit the Orioles clubhouse. The event will take place rain or shine.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Optioned RHP Seth Johnson to minor league camp.
• Reassigned C Silas Ardoin, RHP Justin Armbruester, LHP Ronald Guzmán, RHP Garrett Stallings, and RHP Nathan Webb to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 57 players (38+18 NRI+1 IL).

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with RHP Julio Teheran (teh-RAHN). He has been invited to Major League Spring Training.
• Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with INF Kolten Wong. He has been invited to Major League Spring Training.

The Orioles today announced the club’s broadcast talent lineup for the 2024 season, headlined by the addition of Major League Baseball radio and television play-by-play announcer BEN WAGNER. The Orioles will continue to welcome guest analysts throughout the season, including Orioles Hall of Famers MIKE DEVEREAUX and BRIAN ROBERTS, as well as former Orioles BRAD BRACH and DAVE JOHNSON.

• GEOFF ARNOLD returns for his fifth season with the Orioles broadcast team, serving as the primary play-by-play announcer for the Orioles Radio Network.

• KEVIN BROWN returns for his sixth season as member of the Orioles broadcast team, and his third as the primary television play-by-play announcer for MASN.

• SCOTT GARCEAU returns to Orioles broadcasts for his fourth-straight season and 18^th year with the club overall. Garceau will appear on both MASN and the Orioles Radio Network in a variety of roles, which will include play-by-play duties and hosting pre- and post-game shows. 

• BRETT HOLLANDER returns as an in-game contributor to both MASN and Orioles Radio Network broadcasts. In his fifth season with the club, Hollander will continue to appear as a play-by-play announcer, in-game reporter, and pre- and post-game show host. 

• ROB LONG will continue to appear on MASN programming as a pre- and post-game show host and in-game reporter. The 2024 season marks his sixth year as a member of the Orioles broadcast team. 

• Former Orioles pitcher BEN McDONALD will again bring his expert analysis to MASN telecasts in 2024. McDonald began making select appearances on MASN and the Orioles Radio Network in 2010 before joining the broadcast team full-time in 2018. 

• MELANIE NEWMAN returns for her fifth season with the Orioles broadcast team. Newman will continue to appear on both MASN and the Orioles Radio Network in a variety of roles, including as a play-by-play announcer, in-game reporter, and pre- and post-game show host. 

• National Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles Legend JIM PALMER will return for his 32^nd season as a MASN analyst and his 61^st year as a member of the Orioles organization. 

• BEN WAGNER joins the Orioles broadcast team after spending the previous six seasons as a play-by-play announcer with Sportsnet television and the Toronto Blue Jays Radio Network. Prior to joining the Blue Jays broadcast team, Wagner spent 11 seasons with Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. Wagner will appear on radio and select television broadcasts throughout the year. 

The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network will again serve as the exclusive home for all Orioles games for the 18^th-straight season. Every regular season game will be carried on one of the network’s two channels – MASN and MASN2 – with the exception of nationally televised games. The entire regular season TV broadcast schedule can be found at Orioles.com/BroadcastSchedule. 

Hearst Baltimore’s 98 Rock FM and WBAL NewsRadio AM/FM will continue as the flagship stations of the Orioles Radio Network. All 162 regular season games will be carried across the 30-plus station network, in addition to pre- and post-game shows and comprehensive Orioles coverage throughout the station’s programming. 

ABOUT MASN AND THE ORIOLES RADIO NETWORK

MASN has been the exclusive television home for all Baltimore Orioles games since 2007. Every available regular season Orioles game is televised live and in high definition on one of the network’s two channels, MASN and MASN2. MASN’s seven-state territory – one of the largest among all professional sports – reaches households from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, please visit MASNsports.com.

The Orioles Radio Network broadcasts across more than 30 stations in six states. Fans can hear all 162 regular season games, select Spring Training contests, and extensive Orioles programming on Hearst platforms, including 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL NewsRadio AM 1090 & FM 101.5 (& FM 97.9 HD 2). Games can also be streamed on the Gameday Audio platform on Orioles.com and the MLB At Bat app.

Sarasota County Government’s annual economic report found that the Orioles generated more than $72 million in economic impact and created more than 970 jobs in Sarasota County during the most recent reporting period, which took place from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

In addition to the Orioles’ local impact, the report found that the organization generated more than $86 million in economic impact in the state of Florida, while also creating more than 1,000 jobs. The analysis measures the total impact created by the Orioles’ year-round operations in Sarasota, highlighted by the team’s Spring Training efforts, minor league training facility, and numerous events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O'Neil Baseball Complex.

Since 2015, the Orioles have generated nearly $584.5 million for the local Sarasota County economy and more than $686 million for the state of Florida. This impact is delivered through the club’s continual efforts to promote tourism in the region, including $1 million annually in marketing opportunities for Visit Sarasota during broadcasts on the Orioles Radio Network and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. In addition to Spring Training operations, the Orioles bring people to Sarasota County by hosting a myriad of special events at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex throughout the entire year. Ed Smith Stadium hosted numerous events throughout 2023 including the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic, Sarasota Orchestra’s Outdoor Pops concert, Sarasota County Movie Night, and Orange & Black Gives Back Week of Service youth baseball clinic.

Since the organization made Ed Smith Stadium its Spring Training home, more than 1.3 million people have attended Orioles games in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Government found that attendees of Orioles year-round events spent more than $19.2 million at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments during the most recent report period. On average, attendees spend more than $14 million annually at local establishments, another major contributor to the club’s overall impact on the region.

Beyond economic impact, the Orioles have provided more than $3.9 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth through baseball clinics and the annual Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge, and give back when the community needs them the most. The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host food collections throughout the year and Ed Smith Stadium is used for their annual “ThankFULL” Turkey Distribution, providing local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays. This Spring Training, the Orioles will continue to partner with numerous local non-profits, including All Faiths Food Bank, Mothers Helping Mothers, and SunCoast Blood Centers, encouraging fans to assist them in giving back to their Spring Training home. 

The Washington Nationals open their 2024 Spring Training season against the Houston Astros at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla.

To celebrate the ballpark’s first game under its new name, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Travis Scott, founder of CACTI Hard Seltzer, will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch and participate in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Additionally, the first 2,500 fans will receive complimentary t-shirts commemorating the day.

Tickets for all Spring Training games, including Saturday’s, are available at nats.com/Spring.

The game’s home radio broadcast will also be streamed live on nats.com with Dave Jageler and Charlie Slowes on the call. The game will also be televised on delay, airing later that night at 10:00 p.m. on MLB Network with no blackout restrictions. The full Nationals Spring Training TV and radio schedule is available at nats.com/Spring.

One day after the opener, the Nationals travel to Jupiter to visit the Miami Marlins at 1:05 p.m., followed by the season premiere of “Nats Spring Training Live!” at 7:00 p.m. from Duffy’s Sports Grill on Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach. Sunday’s edition will feature special guests, including outfielder Stone Garrett, alongside Jageler and Slowes. The show airs live on 106.7 The Fan and is free to attend.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• INF/OF Diego Castillo has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher KALEB ORT from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations.

Ort, 32, pitched to a 1-2 record with a 6.26 ERA (16 ER/23.0 IP), 19 total runs, 27 hits, six home runs, nine walks, 24 strikeouts, and one hit batter in 21 games (two starts) across four stints with the Red Sox in 2023, including making his first career Opening Day roster. He threw the two fastest pitches of the season by a Boston hurler with 99.4 mph fastballs on April 11 at Tampa Bay and June 30 at Toronto, and ranked in the 80^th percentile of MLB pitchers in average fastball velocity (95.8 mph), per Statcast. The right-hander posted a 4.76 ERA (9 ER/17.0 IP) in 13 home games compared to a 10.50 ERA (7 ER/6.0 IP) in eight road games. He also made 13 appearances for Triple-A Worcester, going 1-2 with a 1.54 ERA (2 ER/11.2 IP) with four total runs, eight hits, one home run, eight walks, 16 strikeouts, and one hit batter. Ort was placed on the 15-day Injured List with right elbow inflammation on July 7, retroactive to July 5, before being transferred to the 60-day IL on July 26 and missing the remainder of the season.

Ort was originally signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a non-drafted free agent out of Aquinas College (MI) on September 23, 2016. He is a graduate of Lowell (MI) High School. He has appeared in 47 MLB games across parts of three seasons (2021-23) with the Red Sox.

To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder PEYTON BURDICK has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher MATT KROOK from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations.

Krook, 29, did not have a decision in four appearances for the Yankees last season, posting a 24.75 ERA (11 ER/4.0 IP) with eight hits, one home run, six walks, and three strikeouts. He made his MLB debut in relief on June 16 at Boston. The lefty was 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA (5 ER/34.0 IP) with 10 hits, eight total runs, two hit batters, 26 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 27 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Krook’s .090 batting average against was the best in the minors for pitchers with at least 30.0 innings. He opened the season with the RailRiders and was recalled by New York four times during the year. He also had two stints on the Injured List at Triple-A from April 27 to May 13 and June 22 to August 22.

Krook was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon. He was also picked by the Miami Marlins in the Competitive Balance Round A (No. 35 overall) during the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Ignatius College Preparatory School (CA), but did not sign. The southpaw was traded along with outfielder Denard Span, infielder Christian Arroyo, and right-handed pitcher Stephen Woods by San Francisco to Tampa Bay for infielder Evan Longoria and cash considerations on December 20, 2017. The Yankees selected him from the Rays with the 16^th pick in the Triple-A phase of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. Krook was an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star in 2022 after ranking second in the International League in strikeouts (155) and third in wins (10) with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder DIEGO CASTILLO has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Additionally, infielder LIVAN SOTO has been claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.

The Orioles today announced that they have invited eight former players to serve as guest coaches at Major League Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla. The list includes ROBINSON CHIRINOS, J.J. HARDY, ADAM JONES, BEN McDONALD, SCOTT McGREGOR, EDDIE MURRAY, BRIAN ROBERTS, and MATT WIETERS. Murray is an Orioles Legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, and he, along with Hardy, McGregor, and Roberts, are members of the Orioles Hall of Fame. Together, the guest coaches have 22 All-Star selections, 12 Gold Gloves, and five Silver Slugger Awards. A complete list of guest coaches and dates is below: 

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed INF/OF Diego Castillo off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Designated INF Livan Soto for assignment.

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

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired outfielder PEYTON BURDICK from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.

Burdick, 26, slashed .182/.270/.333 (6-for-33) with two doubles, one home run, four runs scored, two RBI, three walks, and one stolen base in 14 games for the Marlins last season, appearing at all three outfield positions. He began the year at Triple-A Jacksonville, where he slashed .293/.381/.636 (29-for-99) with four doubles, 10 home runs, 24 runs scored, 24 RBI, 13 walks, five stolen bases, and a 1.017 OPS in 25 games prior to being recalled by Miami on May 3. At the time of his promotion, he ranked tied for second in the International League in home runs. He was optioned back to Jacksonville on May 23, where he spent the remainder of the season. In 114 total games with the Jumbo Shrimp, he hit .219/.327/.448 (92-for-420) with 20 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs, 63 runs scored, 74 RBI, 57 walks, 12 stolen bases, and a .775 OPS. He ranked 11^th in the International League in homers. Burdick did not appear on Miami’s NL Wild Card roster.

Burdick was originally selected by the Marlins in the third round (No. 82 overall) of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Wright State University (OH). In his debut season in 2019, he was named an MiLB.com Organization All-Star and Midwest League Player of the Month for August. In his first full season in 2021, he was named Marlins Minor League Player of the Year, Double-A Pensacola Most Valuable Player, and MLB.com’s Marlins Prospect of the Year. He made his Major League debut on August 5, 2022, and has appeared in 46 career games for Miami.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher FÉLIX BAUTISTA was placed on the 60-day Injured List with a right UCL injury. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms withINF/OF Ryan O’Hearn on a one-year contract for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025, avoiding arbitration.

Yesterday, the Baltimore Orioles hosted their first-ever high school graduation as part of their International High School Program. The graduation took place at the Orioles’ brand new state-of-the-art Dominican Republic Baseball Academy, which opened its doors earlier this year.  

Five players graduated from the program, including right-handed pitcher Bryan Bautista, right-handed pitcher Randy Berigüete, outfielder Wilmer Feliciano, right-handed pitcher Miguel Mesa, and right-handed pitcher Anthony Morillo.  

The program, which began in 2020, has graduated 12 players with 25 more currently enrolled. Nine players are on track to graduate this summer, including top prospect catcher Samuel Basallo. Of the 12 players who have graduated, seven are still in the Orioles organization, three pursued higher education, and two are seeking employment within Major League Baseball. 

The Orioles International High School Program is set up to adapt to the demands of each player’s schedule, allowing them to graduate on time while balancing the work that comes with both school and baseball. The program focuses on developing players for life in and after baseball.  

The Washington Nationals announced their 2024 Player Development staff on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Player Development and Administration Eddie Longosz made the joint announcement.

New Staff Members

• Rigo Beltrán will serve as Harrisburg’s pitching coach after spending the 2023 season as the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen coach. He moved to that role after four seasons (2019-22) between Triple-A Columbus and Cleveland’s Alternate Training Site. During that time, 19 pitchers made their Major League debuts after being called up from one of the two affiliates. Beltrán spent the 2018 season as the pitching coach for Double-A Akron after three seasons (2015-17) with High-A Lynchburg. Beltrán appeared in 78 Major League games across five seasons with Montreal (2004), Colorado (1999-00), New York Mets (1998-99) and St. Louis (1997). He was selected in the 26^th round of the 1991 June Amateur Draft out of the University of Wyoming.
• Tommy Everidge, who spent the last two seasons as the hitting coach for the Oakland Athletics, will serve as Washington’s Minor League hitting coordinator. Prior to his role on the A’s Major League staff, he worked eight seasons in Oakland’s Minor League system. He began his coaching career as the hitting coach for short-season Single-A Vermont for two seasons (2014-15) before moving to Single-A Stockton (2016-17) and Double-A Midland (2018-20). He spent one season with Triple-A Las Vegas in 2021 before being promoted to the Major League staff in 2022. Everidge spent seven seasons in Oakland’s system as a player, eventually making his Major League debut in 2009. A native of Santa Rosa, California, Everidge was selected in the 10^th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft from Sonoma State University.
• Niomar Gomez joins the coaching ranks after a five-year professional career in Washington’s Minor League system. He appeared in 55 games (38 starts) from 2017 to 2023, going 7-12 with a 5.32 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 187.2 innings.
• Mike Habas joins the organization after five seasons as a hitting coach in Milwaukee’s Minor League system. He spent the previous two seasons (2022-23) with the Arizona Complex League Brewers after starting his career as the Dominican Summer League hitting coach from 2019 to 2021. Habas joined the Brewers’ organization after two years (2017-18) as a coach for the Gary SouthShore RailCats. A native of Homewood, Illinois, Habas played collegiately at North Greenville University after stops at Moraine Valley Community College and South Suburban College.
• Kylie Kain was promoted to Minor League Nutrition Coordinator after joining the organization in 2023 as the performance dietitian for Triple-A Rochester, the first ever female field staff member for the Red Wings. Kain was the owner of Kylie Kain Nutrition in Washington, D.C., a private practice to help clients and athletes reach health and performance goals, while also working as a part-time fitness coach. Kain earned both a Master and Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Physical Performance from St. Louis University. She earned her first degree in philosophy from Colgate University in 2014 where she was also a member of the lacrosse team.
• Jeff Livesey returns to Double-A Harrisburg where his coaching career began in 1996 as the hitting coach for the Senators. He spent two seasons with Montreal’s Double-A affiliate before joining Pittsburgh’s organization in 1998. Prior to joining the Nationals, Livesey spent the last four seasons (2020-23) as Miami’s Minor League hitting coordinator. He was also Miami’s catching coordinator in 2023. He moved to the Minor League side after serving as their Major League assistant hitting coach in 2019. Prior to his time with the Marlins organization, Livesey spent 16 seasons (1998-2005, 2011-18) with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, including five seasons on their Major League staff from 2014-18. Between stints with the Pirates, Livesey worked in Japan as the bench coach for the Hiroshima Carp (2006-09) and the Rakuten Eagles (2010). Livesey played eight professional seasons in New York’s (AL) Minor League system before joining the coaching ranks in 1996.
• Chris Prieto spent the previous two seasons (2022-23) as Tampa Bay’s first base coach. Prior to joining their Major League staff, he served as their Minor League outfield/baserunning coordinator in 2020 and 2021. Prieto joined Tampa’s organization after seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners, including six seasons on their Major League coaching staff. He was their third base coach in 2019, first base coach in 2018, special projects coach in 2017 and their quality assurance coach from 2014-16. Prieto joined the Major League staff after leading Rookie-level Pulaski to an Appalachian League title in 2013. He joined the coaching ranks in 2011 as a hitting coach for Single-A Eugene in San Diego’s system after a 13-year professional career that included a two-game stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2005. Prieto graduated from Carmel (CA) High School and attended San Jose City College and the University of Nevada. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 24^th round of the 1993 June Amateur Draft.
• Jason Wood joins the Nationals organization after spending the last four seasons (2020-23) with the San Francisco Giants as their Minor League infield coordinator. Prior to his time with the Giants, he worked 11 seasons (2008-19) in the Texas Rangers system, spending the last nine as a manager across various levels. In 2014, Wood was named the Texas League Manager of the Year after leading Double-A Frisco to a league-best 80 wins. In 2012 and 2013 as the manager of High-A Myrtle Beach, Baseball America cited Wood as the top managerial prospect in the Carolina League. Wood appeared in 153 games across five Major League seasons with Oakland (1998), Detroit (1998-99) and Florida (2006-08). Wood amassed 1,840 hits in 1,890 games across 17 Minor League seasons from 1991 to 2008.

The Washington Nationals today announced the broadcast schedule for the eighth season of Nationals Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Nationals open the Grapefruit League schedule at home at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches against the Houston Astros on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6:05 p.m. Tickets for all games are available now at nats.com/Spring.

Fans not making the trip to Florida can catch the action on TV and radio, as Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980, 1580 AM and nats.com combine to present 19 pre-season games. The Nationals Spring Training schedule features seven games televised on MASN and a combined 16 radio broadcasts.

Along with traditionally scheduled Grapefruit League games, fans will have opportunities to view top Nationals prospects during MLB’s Spring Breakout Series in Florida and during ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME in D.C. Nationals prospects will face up-and-comers from the New York Mets on Friday, March 15, as part of MLB’s inaugural Spring Breakout Series, beginning at 3:10 p.m. from Port St. Lucie and available via radio broadcast streamed live on nats.com. ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME will conclude the club’s 2024 exhibition season, showcasing top prospects from across the organization’s Minor League system alongside current Nationals Major Leaguers. First pitch for ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at Nationals Park and will be broadcast on MASN and 106. The Fan.

In addition to game programming, 106.7 The Fan will host four editions of “Nats Spring Training Live!”, the 60-minute talk show hosted by Nationals radio voices Dave Jageler and Charlie Slowes. “Nats Spring Training Live!” programs are free to attend and feature special guest appearances by Nationals players, coaches and personalities. The shows broadcast live on 106.7 The Fan from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, March 3 and March 10 from Duffy’s Sports Bar Clematis St., and on Saturday, March 16, from Duffy’s Village Blvd. The March 10 radio show will also stream live on nats.com. 

Fans will hear familiar voices throughout the Spring Training and regular seasons with the return of all five Nationals on-air broadcasters. MASN telecasts will feature color commentator Kevin Frandsen, while Bob Carpenter and Dan Kolko will split play-by-play duties. Jageler and Slowes will be on the call for all 16 radio broadcasts in addition to the “Nats Spring Training Live!” shows.

The Orioles invite fans and prospective employees to attend the Orioles Job Fair on Tuesday, February 13, from 3-6 p.m. at Oriole Park. The team is searching for passionate individuals interested in joining the Orioles gameday staff for the 2024 season in one of many customer service positions, including the Event Staff and Guest Experience.

The job fair, which includes on-site interviews and on-the-spot hiring, will take place on the Oriole Park Club Level with access through Home Plate Plaza, located between Gates D and E. Free parking is available for all participants in Lot A.

If hired, all Orioles gameday staff will be eligible to win an all-inclusive trip for two to the 2024 All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, and will have an opportunity to access exclusive employee-only meet and greets with Orioles players and coaches during the season. All members of the Orioles gameday staff receive attendance bonuses, schedule flexibility, free game tickets, free uniforms, free meals, and free parking.  

Pre-registration for the event is encouraged, but not required. To register for the job fair, visit Orioles.com/JobFair. To apply for open positions with the Orioles, visit Orioles.com/Jobs. 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals announced that they are in agreement with CACTI on a naming rights deal for their Spring Training ballpark in West Palm Beach, FL. The agreement is a collaboration with internationally acclaimed multi-platinum, diamond-certified, GRAMMY® nominated artist Travis Scott, who is the owner of the CACTI Hard Seltzer brand. As part of the multi-year deal, the ballpark will be renamed CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches ahead of the 2024 Spring Training season. Additionally, the ballpark will undergo a complete rebrand throughout, and CACTI brand product will be available for fans at Astros and Nationals Spring Training games.

“With the official U.S. launch of CACTI coming, I am psyched to be partnering with the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals for CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches,” Travis Scott said.

“The Houston Astros are excited for the opportunity to work with Travis Scott and the CACTI Hard Seltzer team,” said Creighton Kahoalii, Astros Senior Vice President, Affiliate Business Operations. “This collaboration supports our continued efforts to provide a great fan experience not just during Spring Training, but at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches throughout the year.”

“We are pleased to partner with CACTI Hard Seltzer and the people behind the brand to continue offering our guests a first-class experience,” said Alan H. Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer, Lerner Sports Group. “This relationship will ensure that CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches remains a top entertainment destination, attracting individuals from around the area for sporting events, concerts and more.”

On February 24, prior to their first Spring Training game of the 2024 season, the Astros and Nationals will host a special ceremony at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, which will include a ribbon-cutting by Travis Scott. Scott will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to that night’s 6:05 p.m. game between the Astros and Nationals.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired infielder/outfielder NICK MATON from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.

Maton (pronounced MAY-tahn), 26, slashed .173/.288/.305 (43-for-249) with nine doubles, eight home runs, 29 runs scored, 32 RBI, 38 walks, and one stolen base in 93 games for the Tigers last season. He made the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career and had two stints with Detroit. Maton hit his first career walk-off home run in the 11^th inning on April 14 vs. San Francsico, a three-run blast off Camilo Doval with the Tigers trailing by a run. He’s played in 180 MLB games between the Phillies and Tigers over parts of three seasons since 2021 and made Philadelphia’s World Series roster in 2022 against Houston. 

During his time with Triple-A Toledo in 2023, Maton batted .293/.414/.457 (41-for-140) with 12 doubles, one triple, three homers, 32 runs scored, 27 RBI, 27 walks, and three stolen bases in 38 games, including hitting for the cycle with the Mud Hens on September 6 at Indianapolis (5-for-5, 2-2B, 3B, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI).

He was traded to Detroit along with catcher Donny Sands and infielder/outfielder Matt Vierling from Philadelphia for infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens and left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto on January 7, 2023. Maton was originally selected by the Phillies in the seventh round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Lincoln Land Community College (IL). His brother, Phil, is a right-handed pitcher and seven-year big leaguer, most recently with the Houston Astros from 2021-23.

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