Orioles non-tender Suárez and sign Bautista to 2026 contract

suarez @ TOR

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.

Foster and Trimble added to Orioles' 40-man roster

Mike Elias

The Orioles are protecting right-hander Cameron Foster and outfielder Reed Trimble in the Rule 5 Draft.

Foster and Trimble had their contracts selected and were placed on the 40-man roster earlier today. Outfielder Pedro León and infielder Luis Vázquez were designated for assignment to create room.

Foster, 26, and right-hander Wellington Aracena were acquired from the Mets at the trade deadline for left-handed reliever Gregory Soto. Foster made 13 relief appearances with Triple-A Norfolk and posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.375 WHIP in 16 innings, with eight walks and 23 strikeouts. He has a 3.75 ERA in 79 minor league games and 215 strikeouts over 199 1/3 innings.

Trimble, 25, was a second-round pick in the 2021 draft out of the University of Southern Mississippi. He’s a career .251/.344/.420 hitter in five minor league seasons and has stolen 61 bases without being caught.

Trimble batted .259/.319/.435 this year in 30 games with Norfolk and .257/.352/.503 in 53 games with Double­-A Chesapeake. He plays all three outfield positions.

Orioles claim Pedro León, information on home start times and promotional giveaways (updated roster moves)

Pedro Leon Astros

The Orioles are staying busy making roster moves that so far are geared toward improving depth and camp competitions.

A source confirmed earlier today that Cuban outfielder Pedro León has been claimed on waivers from the Astros.

León, 27, appeared in seven games with the Astros in 2024 and was 2-for-20 with 10 strikeouts. He played in 22 games with Triple-A Sugar Land this year and hit .241/.312/.422 with six doubles, three home runs and 10 RBIs. He began the season on the injured list after straining the MCL in his left knee in spring training, with an eventual transfer to the 60-day IL.

The Astros put León on waivers two days ago.

León made the Pacific Coast League Triple-A All-Star team in 2024 after batting .299/.372/.514 with 25 doubles, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs and 29 stolen bases in 118 games.