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.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Claimed RHP George Soriano off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Designated OF Daniel Johnson for assignment.

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

The Orioles today announced their 2026 Grapefruit League schedule, which is slated to begin Friday, February 20, at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. against the New York Yankees. The club’s 2026 spring schedule features 17 home games, including nine home games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Orioles will host the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, March 22, and travel to Nationals Park on Monday, March 23, to conclude Grapefruit League play.

Pitchers and catchers participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Monday, February 9, while position players participating in the WBC will report on Thursday, February 12. The remaining pitchers and catchers will report on Wednesday, February 11, and position players on Monday, February 16.

Enhanced and expanded fan access at Ed Smith Stadium will be featured on both home and away game dates, including free admission to open practices on home dates, with entry beginning approximately four hours before the scheduled start time.

The O’s will face 12 different opponents during Grapefruit League play, with 10 of the club’s 31 games coming against American League East divisional rivals: Boston Red Sox (two games; one at home), New York Yankees (four games; two at home), Tampa Bay Rays (two games; one at home), and Toronto Blue Jays (two games; one at home).

On March 3, the Orioles will face Team Netherlands in an exhibition game at Ed Smith Stadium, with the WBC officially beginning on March 5.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher ANDREW KITTREDGE from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.

Kittredge, 35, went 4-3 with five saves, 15 holds, and a 3.40 ERA (20 ER/53.0 IP) on 41 hits (7 HR), 11 walks (1 IBB), and 64 strikeouts in 54 appearances between the Orioles and Cubs in 2025.

On July 31, Kittredge was traded from Baltimore to Chicago in exchange for minor league shortstop WILFRI DE LA CRUZ. De La Cruz, 18, is currently ranked as the No. 20 Orioles prospect by Baseball America and No. 24 by MLB Pipeline.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms with LHP Josh Walker on a one-year major league contract for the 2026 season.

The Washington Nationals officially named Blake Butera the eighth manager in team history on Friday. Today’s announcement was made by Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.

“I’ve always believed that you win with people, and from our very first conversation, it was clear that Blake is the right person and the right leader for this role,” said Toboni. “Blake comes into this position with experience in a variety of roles in player development, including as a successful manager, making him uniquely qualified to get the most out of the players in the clubhouse and help us reach the next level. He possesses a strong baseball acumen and has a reputation for building strong relationships with players and staff, making him a great fit for us in Washington, D.C. We’re so excited to welcome him to the Nationals family.”

Butera, 33, joins the Nationals after spending the previous two seasons as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the most well-respected player development operations in Major League Baseball. He served as the Rays’ Minor League field coordinator in 2023 following four seasons (2018-22) as a manager in their Minor League system. At Single-A Charleston, Butera was named Carolina League Manager of the Year in 2021 and 2022, won the Carolina League championship both seasons, and the 2022 club was named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. In four seasons, Butera’s clubs went 258-144 (.642) and finished in first place each year.

“I am incredibly honored to be named the manager of the Washington Nationals,” said Butera. “I’d like to thank the Lerner, Cohen and Tanenbaum families, as well as Paul Toboni, for the opportunity and for the trust they are placing in me. This franchise has a proud history, a passionate fanbase and a standard of excellence that I deeply respect. My family and I are fortunate to be part of it. I’m excited to get to work alongside our players, coaches and staff to build something special – a team that is rooted in trust, connection and competitiveness. We want to represent this city and our fans in a way they can be proud of, and we’re ready to get started.” 

Butera began his coaching career with the Rays organization in 2017 as the bench coach for Single-A Hudson Valley and was promoted to manager in 2018, becoming the youngest manager in all of Minor League Baseball at the age of 25. Butera led Hudson Valley to Postseason berths in 2018 and 2019, leading the New York-Penn League in wins both seasons.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms with RHP Rico Garcia on a one-year major league contract for the 2026 season.

The Orioles today announced that CRAIG ALBERNAZ has been named the 21^st manager in club history. This will mark Albernaz’s first major league managerial assignment.

“We are elated to welcome Craig Albernaz as the next manager of the Orioles and our leader on the field,” said Orioles President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, MIKE ELIAS. “Craig has built an exemplary career across multiple successful organizations and brings a tremendous amount of experience, knowledge, and talent to our organization and to this new challenge. We believe he is the right person at the right time to elevate our baseball operations and guide our team back to the playoffs and a World Series Championship.”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the storied Baltimore Orioles organization,” said Albernaz. “This is a tremendous honor, and I'm grateful to Mike Elias and the entire Orioles team for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this talented club.”

Albernaz, 42, begins his first managerial role following 11 seasons as a professional coach, and nine professional seasons as a player. Albernaz most recently spent two seasons as part of the Cleveland Guardians coaching staff, serving as the associate manager in 2025, a role he was promoted to after joining Cleveland’s staff as bench coach in 2024. The Guardians won the American League Central Division in both of his seasons in the organization, marking the first time the club won consecutive division titles since 2016-18 (three straight). In 2025, Cleveland won the AL Central on the final day after being 15.5 games behind Detroit on July 8, becoming the first team in MLB history to overcome a deficit that large to win a division (since 1969) or league (1900-68) in that season, per the Elias Sports Bureau. Last year, the Guardians finished 92-69 and advanced to the AL Championship Series.

Prior to joining the Guardians, he served as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020-23. Under his command, the Giants’ relief unit posted a 3.92 ERA in 2023, leading the majors in relief innings (705.1). In 2021, his relievers posted a 2.97 ERA (206 ER/623.2 IP), the lowest in the majors, while helping San Francisco win the National League West Division. From 2020-23, Giants catchers helped guide the pitching staff to a 3.80 ERA (2,045 ER/4,840.1 IP), third-best in the NL and sixth-best in MLB. Before heading west, Albernaz coached and managed in the Tampa Bay Rays organization from 2015-19, compiling a two-year managerial record of 145-83 (.636) at Short-Season A Hudson Valley (2017) and Class-A Bowling Green (2018), before serving as minor league field coordinator in 2019. Albernaz also managed Tampa Bay’s instructional league team in 2016. His coaching career began in 2015 as hitting coach at Rookie-level Princeton before holding the same role with Hudson Valley in 2016. He began the 2017 season with Triple-A Durham as third base and catching coach, before transitioning to Hudson Valley’s manager, leading the Renegades to a New York-Penn League Championship. The Bulls also won the International League that season. In 2018, Albernaz managed Bowling Green to the Midwest League Championship after winning a Minor League Baseball-best 90 games, a mark that earned him Midwest League Manager of the Year.

For the first time in his career, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood has been named one of six outfield finalists for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award on Wednesday.

A 2025 All-Star and Home Run Derby participant, Wood, 23, finished the season tied for the National League lead among outfielders with 38 doubles this season. He also ranked in extra base hits (3rd, 69), home runs (T3rd, 31), RBI (4th, 94), walks (5th, 95) and hits (5th, 153).

In his first full Major League season Wood also paced the National League with 56 balls hit over 110 miles per hour, trailing only Aaron Judge in all of Major League Baseball. Wood also led all National League outfielders with 15 home runs hit over 110 mph.

The Rockville, Md., native was one of just three Major Leaguers and one of two National League outfielders with 30 home runs, 35 doubles and 15 stolen bases this season. Wood became just the second Nationals player to hit 30 home runs and steal at least 15 bases in a season, joining Alfonso Soriano in 2006.

Wood looks to become the fourth Nationals outfielder and 11th Nationals player (2005-pres.) overall to win a Silver Slugger.