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The Orioles tendered first baseman Ryan Mountcastle a contract for the 2026 season earlier today but chose to let pitcher Albert Suárez enter free agency.
Suárez was the only non-tender at today’s arbitration deadline.
Closer Félix Bautista, who underwent shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff, agreed to terms on a contract for 2026 that prevents a possible hearing. A source confirmed an MLB.com report that the deal is worth $2.25 million.
Bautista will miss the majority of the upcoming season, but the club is hopeful that he can contribute down the stretch.
Keegan Akin, Kyle Bradish, Yennier Cano, Gunnar Henderson, Dean Kremer, Trevor Rogers, Adley Rutschman, Taylor Ward and Tyler Wells were tendered contracts, along with all pre-arbitration players on the 40-man roster.
Mountcastle was subjected to non-tender speculation with his salary likely to climb near $8 million in his final year before free agency. The Orioles could keep checking the trade market for him.
Suárez was one of the most valuable players on the 2024 team after returning to the majors for the first time since 2017 and posting a 3.70 ERA in 32 games, including 24 starts. However, he sustained a shoulder injury during his first appearance this year on March 28 in Toronto and didn’t return until rosters expanded in September. He pitched in four games and was shut down with a mild forearm flexor strain.
The club received positive news after Suárez was examined last month by Dr. Keith Meister. Suárez was expected to begin a throwing progression.
Suárez made $825,000 this year and MLB Trade Rumors projected a raise to $900,000.
The Orioles’ 40-man roster is down to 38 players.
* John Mabry won’t return to the Orioles coaching staff next season. The Angels hired him today as assistant hitting coach.
Mabry joined the Orioles as senior advisor on May 29 and did extensive work at first base with Coby Mayo.
More surprising is the news that the Angels hired former Orioles outfielder and executive Brady Anderson, 61, as hitting coach.
Anderson spent 14 seasons as a player with the Orioles and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2004. He batted .257/.364/.430 with 209 home runs, including 50 in 1996, and made three All-Star teams. He set the major league record by hitting a leadoff home run in four consecutive games. Anderson also holds the Orioles’ stolen base record with 307.
Anderson worked in the Orioles’ front office as a special assistant and vice president of baseball operations from 2012-19. This will be his first coaching job.
The Angels ranked last in the majors this year with a .225 average, and they traded outfielder Tayler Ward, who hit 36 home runs and had 103 RBIs, to the Orioles for starter Grayson Rodriguez.
* The Phillies claimed Cuban outfielder Pedro León on waivers. The Orioles designated León for assignment Tuesday after claiming him from the Astros on Nov. 6
