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.

The Orioles today announced the club’s minor league coaching staffs and player development assignments for the 2024 season. The coaching staffs of Triple-A Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, High-A Aberdeen, and Single-A Delmarva are listed below, along with the Florida Complex League and Dominican Summer League Orioles.

Managers BUCK BRITTON (Norfolk), CHRISTIAN FRIAS (FCL Orioles), and CHRIS MADERA and ELBIS MOREL (DSL Orioles) return to their same posts, ROBERTO MERCADO (Bowie), and FELIPE ROJAS ALOU, JR. (Aberdeen) have been promoted to new affiliates, and COLLIN WOODY (Delmarva) becomes a manager for the first time in his career.

Britton returns for his third season as Manager of the Tides. He guided Norfolk to the Triple-A National Championship and International League Championship in 2023, leading the team to a league-best 90-59 record, while also earning the organization’s Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award. Britton managed No. 1 prospect JACKSON HOLLIDAY, as well as other top prospects COLTON COWSER, HESTON KJERSTAD, COBY MAYO, CHAYCE McDERMOTT, CONNOR NORBY, CADE POVICH, GRAYSON RODRIGUEZ, KYLE STOWERS, and JORDAN WESTBURG. In total, 34 players appeared on both the Tides’ and Orioles’ active rosters during the 2023 season. Britton will be joined once again by Pitching Coach JUSTIN RAMSEY, who enters his sixth season in the organization and third with Norfolk. Ramsey will also serve as Minor League Upper-Level Pitching Coordinator for a third straight year in addition to his position with the Tides. Newcomer and former University of Maryland product MIKE MONTVILLE joins Norfolk as Hitting Coach after serving as Assistant Hitting Coach with Triple-A Worcester (BOS) in 2023. Fundamentals Coach RAMÓN SAMBO and Development Coach JOSHUA RODRIGUES each return in their roles, with Sambo entering his fifth season in Norfolk and 18^th in the Orioles’ system, and Rodrigues entering his third season in the organization. Athletic Trainer ALAN RAIL, ATC and Strength and Conditioning Coach JON MEDICI also return to Norfolk. SETH ELLANSON, ATC has been named Assistant Athletic Trainer after serving as Head Athletic Trainer for the NBA G League Motor City Cruise. ADAM SEHLMEYER returns as Norfolk’s Clubhouse Manager.

Mercado will make his Double-A debut after leading High-A Aberdeen the last two seasons. In 2022, he was honored with the organization’s Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award and led the IronBirds to the South Atlantic League championship series. AUSTIN MEINE joins the Baysox as Pitching Coach after serving in the same role with the IronBirds last year. Hitting Coach JOSH BUNSELMEYER makes the jump from Single-A Delmarva. Fundamentals Coach CHASE SEBBY and Development Coach BILLY FACTEAU join Bowie from Aberdeen, Athletic Trainer JULIO IBARRA, ATC jumps from the Shorebirds, and SAM SAUER is back as Strength and Conditioning Coach. JON WEINBERG returns as Clubhouse Manager.

Alou will manage the IronBirds, his third managerial season after spending the last two years with Delmarva and his 17^th overall in the organization. Pitching Coach JORDIE HENRY joins the staff from the FCL Orioles and Hitting Coach ZACH COLE returns to Aberdeen in the same position for a third season. Fundamentals Coach CHARLES BOLDEN joins the organization after serving as head baseball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for the last three years. Development Coach RYAN GOLL is back at Aberdeen after spending last season with Bowie. He will also serve as Offseason Camp Coordinator. Athletic Trainer TORI ATENCIO, ATC and Strength and Conditioning Coach CHRIS FROSCH are both back with the IronBirds. ROSS STOVALL returns as Aberdeen’s Clubhouse Manager.

The Orioles today announced that they have invited 20 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla. The list includes six right-handed pitchers, five left-handed pitchers, five catchers, three infielders, and one outfielder. As of today, a complete list of the Orioles’ 20 non-roster players for 2024 Spring Training is below:

PITCHERS (11)

RHP Justin Armbruester

RHP Wandisson Charles

LHP Tucker Davidson

The Baltimore Orioles tonight announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher CORBIN BURNES, a three-time All-Star and 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-handed pitcher DL HALL, infielder JOEY ORTIZ, and a 2024 Competitive Balance Round A pick.

Burnes, 29, went 10-8 with a 3.39 ERA (73 ER/193.2 IP) with 141 hits (22 HR), 77 total runs, 66 walks, and 200 strikeouts in 32 starts for the Brewers last season. He led the NL in WHIP (1.07) and ranked among league leaders in opponent average (2^nd, .200), hits per nine innings (2^nd, 6.55), innings pitched (T-5^th), ERA (6^th), quality starts (6^th, 19), and strikeouts (10^th). Burnes was honored as the NL Pitcher of the Month in July after going 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA (8 ER/39.0 IP) and 47 strikeouts in six starts. He threw 8.0 no-hit innings on September 10 at New York-AL but did not factor in the decision in a 13-inning loss. Burnes finished eighth in the NL Cy Young voting, his fourth straight top-eight finish.

Burnes led the NL with 243 strikeouts in 2022, becoming the first Brewer in franchise history to lead the league. The total ranked second in franchise history. His 33 starts were also tied for the most in the NL. The right-hander is one of five MLB pitchers with at least 200 strikeouts over the last three years, including Chicago-AL’s Dylan Cease, New York-AL’s Gerrit Cole, Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola, and Toronto’s Kevin Gausman. He was also a finalist for a Gold Glove Award for the first time and finished seventh in the Cy Young.

During his Cy Young campaign in 2021, Burnes became the third pitcher in franchise history and the first since the team joined the NL to win the award, along with Pete Vuckovich (1982) and National Baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers (1981). He led MLB in ERA (2.43), strikeout rate (35.6%), FIP (1.63), and home runs per nine innings (0.38) while ranking among NL leaders in WHIP (2^nd, 0.94), walks per nine innings (2^nd, 1.83), strikeouts (3^rd, 234), opponent average (4^th, .201), hits per nine innings (5^th, 6.63), and quality starts (T-10^th, 18). Burnes started the year with 58 strikeouts before issuing a walk, breaking the MLB record to begin a season, and later tied the MLB record by striking out 10 consecutive batters on August 11 at Chicago-NL. He was also part of history on September 11 at Cleveland, tossing the first 8.0 innings as Milwaukee no-hit the Guardians.

The Bakersfield, Calif., native is 45-27 with a 3.26 ERA (257 ER/709.1 IP) and 870 strikeouts in 167 career games (106 starts), all with the Brewers, since making his MLB debut in relief on July 10, 2018 at Miami. The righty was originally selected by Milwaukee in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Saint Mary’s College of California.

• David Rubenstein leads a diverse investor group that includes Michael Arougheti, Mitchell Goldstein, Michael Smith, and Maryland leaders, philanthropists, and sports legends
• David Rubenstein to become Control Person of the Orioles
• The Angelos family will continue as a major investor, and John Angelos will work with Rubenstein as a senior advisor
• Transaction values the franchise and assets at $1.725 billion

Baltimore, MD – The Angelos family, majority owner of the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the Baltimore Orioles, has agreed to sell a control stake in the Orioles to Baltimore native, philanthropist, and investor David M. Rubenstein for $1.725 billion. The Angelos family will continue to hold a sizable investment in the Orioles, and John Angelos will serve as a senior advisor to the organization. The transaction is subject to review and approval by MLB’s Ownership Committee and a full vote of MLB ownership.

Mr. Rubenstein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group and he will become the controlling owner of the Orioles upon the close of the transaction. 

Mr. Rubenstein is joined in the investment by Michael Arougheti, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ares Management; Mitchell Goldstein and Michael Smith, Co-Heads of the Ares Credit Group; Cal Ripken, Jr., Oriole’s legend and MLB Hall of Famer; Kurt Schmoke, former Baltimore Mayor; Grant Hill, NBA Hall of Famer; Mike Bloomberg, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Michele Kang, business leader; and other investors.

John Angelos said, “When I took on the role of Chair and CEO of the Orioles, we had the objective of restoring the franchise to elite status in major league sports, keeping the team in Baltimore for years to come, and revitalizing our partnership group. This relationship with David Rubenstein and his partners validates that we have not only met but exceeded our goals.”

The Orioles’ major league roster and minor league team are stacked with young talent. For example, in a first in MLB history, the O’s have the #1 prospect in all of pro baseball (Jackson Holliday) for the third year in a row, following Gunnar Henderson (No. 1 in 2023) and Adley Rutschman (No. 1 in 2022), and have five of the top 32 rated prospects in all of professional baseball. In 2023, the Orioles won the American League East for the first time since 2014 and the Orioles had more wins (101) than in any season since 1979.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with LHP Andrew Suárez.

Earlier today, Von Paris Moving & Storage trucks departed from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, beginning their 1,000-mile trip to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., in preparation for the 2024 Spring Training season. 

The trucks, which are carrying 320 uniforms, 300 hats, 200 helmets, and 10 pitching machines, will arrive at the Orioles’ Spring Training home early next week. Eight hundred cases of baseballs and 300 bats are also making their way to Florida.  

The 2024 season will mark the club’s 15^th year at Ed Smith Stadium. Von Paris Moving & Storage has been the official mover of the Orioles since 1991. 

Orioles’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Wednesday, February 14, with the first full-squad workout set for Tuesday, February 20. Spring Training games are slated to begin Saturday, February 24, as the Orioles host the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. Tickets are currently on sale for all Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium and can be purchased online at Orioles.com/SpringTickets. 

Highlighted by several of the organization’s top prospects, the Washington Nationals announced the following invitations to 2024 Major League Spring Training on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Top prospects including outfielders Dylan Crews, Robert Hassell III and James Wood, as well as infielders Darren Baker, Brady House and Trey Lipscomb will each take part in their first Major League Spring Training. Outfielder Travis Blankenhorn, first basemen Lewin Diaz, Left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa, catcher Brady Lindsly and first baseman/outfielder Juan Yepez have also been invited to Major League Spring Training.

Crews, 22, is Washington’s top prospect and the No. 6 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America. He will take part in his first Major League Spring Training after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. One of the most accomplished players in the history of college baseball, Crews enters the season as the “Best Hitter for Average” in Washington’s system, per Baseball America. He hit .292 with nine doubles, five homers, 29 RBI, 14 walks, four stolen bases and 26 runs scored in 35 games between the FCL Nationals, Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg in his first professional season in 2023.

Hassell III, 22, is entering his second full season in Washington’s organization after being acquired at the 2022 Trade Deadline. He is the No. 7 prospect in the organization, according to Baseball America. Hassell III appeared in a career-high 121 games between Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg in 2023, hitting .221 with a .324 on-base percentage, 16 doubles, two triples, nine homers, 41 RBI, 68 walks, 15 stolen bases and 66 runs scored along the way.

Wood, 21, is the No 2. prospect in the organization and the No. 11 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America. Washington’s 2022 and 2023 Minor League Hitter of the Year, Wood led the organization in home runs (26), RBI (91) and slugging percentage (.520) and ranked second in OPS (.873), doubles (28) and triples (8) in 2023. He was selected to represent the Nationals in the 2023 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on the way to setting career marks in nearly every offensive category in 121 games between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg. According to Baseball America, he is the “Best Power Hitter” and the “Best Defensive Outfielder” in Washington’s Minor League system.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms with LHP Danny Coulombe on a one-year contract for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025, avoiding arbitration.

With Spring Training just weeks away, the Washington Nationals today unveiled the team’s 2024 uniform collection, highlighted by a new pullover jersey and updated road grays. Full- and Half-Season Plan Holders will be the first see the uniforms in person at the NATS PLUS Hot Stove event tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 27, at Nationals Park.

The Nationals’ 2024 uniform collection is composed of five jerseys, including the club’s first pullover. The white top with navy blue sleeves features the Vintage Capitol W logo on the left chest. Making its first jersey appearance, the Vintage Capitol W debuted on Spring Training caps in 2019 and has been featured on regular-season caps since 2020. The pullover also includes a brand-new arm patch displaying an interlocking “DC” inside the District of Columbia silhouette.

The club’s gray road jerseys have been updated to feature “Washington” in blue block lettering with red and white trim across the chest, replacing the script red version with blue outline. The numerals on the front and back are red with a blue outline, while the name lettering is blue outlined in red. The gray jersey and corresponding pants are now trimmed in a tricolor red, white and blue piping, replacing the dual red and blue trim from previous seasons.

Rounding out the club’s 2024 closet are the navy jerseys with script “Nationals” across the chest, which have been worn since 2018; the white jerseys with script “Nationals” that have been worn since 2020; and the popular cherry blossom-themed City Connects. The team’s City Connect uniform, which debuted in 2022, will be worn on Friday and Saturday home games in 2024 and will be retired from regular wear at the conclusion of the season. 

The Nationals open their home season on Monday, April 1, at 4:05 p.m. vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans can also get an early look at this year’s roster as well as top prospects from around the organization at ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME on Tuesday, March 26, at 12:05 p.m. Tickets for all games are available now at nats.com/Tickets.

The Orioles today announced their support for the City of Baltimore Council Bill 23-0418, which prohibits the use of all tobacco products in stadiums within Baltimore City, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Additionally, the Orioles will ban the use of all tobacco products at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex, Baltimore’s Spring Training home in Sarasota, Fla., as well as at the Buck O’Neil Complex at Twin Lakes Park.

“As an organization, our top priority is to ensure that we are always doing what is best for our club and our community,” said Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, KERRY WATSON. “That is why, after numerous conversations with our front office, coaching staff, and city officials, we have made the decision to support the City’s ban of tobacco products at stadiums throughout Baltimore.”

The Orioles have a longstanding history of supporting tobacco-free living. Smoking was first banned in all seating areas of the ballpark in 1993. The ban was later expanded to prohibit smoking and the carrying of lit tobacco products within 25 feet of Oriole Park, including the Warehouse and other outdoor spaces along the gates.

The club also partners with Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) to promote tobacco-free living as part of the Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge. Launched in 2016, the partnership with Sarasota County Schools teaches students about the importance of physical fitness, healthy eating, and tobacco-free living.

“As a lifelong fan of the team, I’m so grateful to have the support of the Baltimore Orioles on common sense public health legislation for Baltimore City,” said Baltimore City Council Member, KRISTERFER BURNETT. “Tobacco use is a major public health threat that harms not only the users, but also the spectators and the athletes. By removing the use of tobacco products at sporting events, we are sending a clear message that we value the health and well-being of our community. We are also setting a positive example for our youth, who deserve to enjoy sports in a tobacco-free environment.”

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2024 Minor League contract with OF Daniel Johnson.

The Orioles today announced that the press box at Oriole Park at Camden Yards will be renamed the JIM HENNEMAN PRESS BOX in honor of longtime Baltimore sportswriter and official scorer JIM HENNEMAN, who has covered Baltimore sports for eight decades. The team will formally dedicate the press box as part of a special ceremony at a later date, after which the press box at Oriole Park will forever be known as the Jim Henneman Press Box. Details regarding the ceremony will be announced later.

Henneman began his writing career with the Baltimore News-American (then News-Post) in 1958 before being named public relations director of the Baltimore Bullets in 1968, a position he held until 1973. He returned to the News-American as an Orioles beat writer until 1979, when he moved to The Evening Sun and The Baltimore Sun on the Orioles beat from 1980-95, including a year as the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) president in 1984. He was the primary official scorer at Orioles home games from 1997-2019. Henneman is the author of “60 Years of Orioles Magic,” the Orioles’ 60^th anniversary book published in 2015. 

Legendary sports editor JOHN STEADMAN originally hired Henneman as a copy boy for the News-American. On his first Opening Day assignment in 1963, Henneman ended up serving as a batboy for the Orioles-Senators game at District of Columbia Stadium - with President JOHN F. KENNEDY in attendance - when it was revealed that the visiting team did not have a batboy for the season opener. He even borrowed a sweatshirt and a pair of cleats from Orioles Legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer BROOKS ROBINSON.

A Baltimore native, Henneman attended Loyola University Maryland (then Loyola College in Maryland) and Calvert Hall College High School. At Calvert Hall, he was a standout pitcher and competed against future National Baseball Hall of Famer and Southern High School star AL KALINE. He also worked in the clubhouse for the International League Orioles at Memorial Stadium, three and a half blocks from his home in the Ednor Gardens neighborhood. At 18 years old, he attended the Orioles’ home opener on April 15, 1954, in which they defeated the White Sox, 3-1, in front of 46,354 fans at Memorial Stadium to mark Baltimore’s return to the Major Leagues after 52 years. He later worked as an usher at Memorial Stadium while attending Loyola during the mid-1950s.

Henneman has four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He continues to cover the Orioles for Press Box, where he is a longtime columnist and contributor.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired infielder TYLER NEVIN from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.

Nevin, 26, slashed .200/.306/.316 (19-for-95) with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, 11 runs scored, 10 RBI, and 12 walks in 41 games over four stints with the Tigers last season. He missed most of Spring Training and the start of the regular season with a left oblique strain. The infielder also batted .326/.400/.543 (110-for-337) with 40 extra-base hits, including 15 homers, in 87 games with Triple-A Toledo.

He spent parts of three of his first nine professional seasons with the O’s after being traded from the Colorado Rockies along with infielder Terrin Vavra and a player to be named later (outfielder Mishael Deson) for right-handed pitcher Mychal Givens on August 30, 2020. Nevin was originally selected by the Rockies in the Competitive Balance A round (38^th overall) of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Poway (CA) High School. His father, Phil, is a 12-year major leaguer and former manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

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