The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly reached an agreement with outfielder Ramón Laureano on a one-year, $4 million contract, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The Orioles announced Tuesday that they have designated infielder Luis Vazquez for assignment. This move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Laureano, whose deal is now official.
Laureano, who was released by the Cleveland Guardians following a slow start to the 2024 season, found a career resurgence after signing with the Atlanta Braves in May. He quickly became one of Atlanta’s more dependable hitters, transitioning from a platoon role into a regular spot in the lineup. By season’s end, Laureano became a key offensive presence.
Orioles Land Ramón Laureano on One-Year Deal
Laureano, 30, posted a .259/.311/.437 slash line along with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 98 games last season. He even had a long stretch from July 31-Sept. 11 in which he hit .337 with a .907 OPS. Laureano had 16 multi-hit games for the Braves, including five three-hit games.
Laureano adds to an already crowded outfield, assuming all players remain healthy and on the roster. Baltimore has three near-locks for the Opening Day roster in Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, and Colton Cowser. Heston Kjerstad is also expected to break out this season. The signing of Dylan Carlson further strengthens the outfield. While Laureano can play center field if needed, he is projected as a corner outfielder, given the range of Mullins, Cowser, and utilityman Jorge Mateo. His arm, ranked in the 100th percentile by Statcast, is among the best in the league.
The spring training competition for the outfield will be closely watched. Laureano’s signing provides the Orioles with flexibility, offering cover if they trade Kjerstad or another outfielder for a starting pitcher.
In addition to O’Neill, Carlson, and Laureano, the Orioles have also added catcher Gary Sanchez and veteran pitchers Charlie Morton and Tomoyki Sugano to strengthen their starting rotation.
Main Photo: © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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