Orioles claim Weston Wilson

The Orioles might be ready to toss another player into their competition for a bench role.

Weston Wilson was claimed on waivers earlier today from the Phillies. Left-hander José Suarez was designated for assignment to make room on a full 40-man roster.

The Phillies designated Wilson for assignment a few days ago after re-signing catcher J.T. Realmuto. Wilson, 31, has appeared in 100 games over the past three seasons and slashed .242/.328/.428 with 11 doubles and nine home runs.

Wilson played in 52 games last season and hit .198/.282/.369 with four doubles and five home runs. He has major league experience at second base, third base, first base and both outfield corners. Most of his starts have been in left.

The Orioles saw eight of Wilson’s plate appearances last summer in Philadelphia. He singled twice, homered and walked.

The resume also includes four scoreless innings in three emergency relief appearances. And Wilson has made 126 starts at shortstop in the minors, where he’s batted .254/.337/.441 over nine seasons.

Playing for Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2023, Wilson hit .259 with 19 doubles, three triples, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, 32 stolen bases in 38 attempts and an .879 OPS over 125 games. He also struck out 146 times in 544 plate appearances.

Wilson is a right-handed hitter who has slashed .250/.359/.475 against left-handers in the majors. He went 15-for-44 (.341) against them in 2024.

The Brewers drafted Wilson in the 17^th round in 2016 out of Clemson University.

Wilson could stay on the 40-man and fight for a bench spot in spring training or become the next player who’s claimed and then designated for assignment, with the intent of passing him through waivers and keeping him in the organization. He’s out of options and could be another depth move.

The Orioles claimed Suarez from the Braves last Thursday and designated outfielder Marco Luciano, who was claimed today by the Yankees.