The Baltimore Orioles reportedly signed veteran major league catcher Jacob Stallings to a minor league deal Tuesday following injuries to their backstops in a short period of time.
Report: Orioles Sign Veteran Catcher Jacob Stallings to Minor League Deal
The team placed All-Star Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a left oblique strain. Backup catcher Maverick Handley hit the seven-day concussion protocol after colliding with New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. that same day.
Jacob Stallings is a 10-year MLB veteran who has played for Pirates (2016-21), Marlins (2022-23), Rockies (2024-25).
The 35-year-old hit .143 with 3 doubles and 6 RBIs in 28 games for Colorado this season. He was released on June 6.
Won an NL Gold Glove for Pittsburgh in 2021. https://t.co/Ol6KsOFDv1
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) June 24, 2025
The deal, first reported by Roch Kubatko of MASN, provides much-needed depth to the team’s catcher position. Stallings’ signing comes one day after the team recalled veteran minor-leaguer Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk.
The Rockies, who signed Stallings to a $2.5 million deal during the offseason, currently retain the veteran’s entire salary.
Stallings’ Past Performance
The veteran Rockies catcher was released by Colorado after a dismal start to the 2025 season. The 35-year-old slugged a .143/.217/.396 slash line over 28 games with three doubles and six RBI.
In 2024, the veteran catcher had his best season, hitting a respectable .263/.357/.810 slash line with nine home runs and 17 doubles. In 2021, Stallings earned a Gold Glove award while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He will likely head to Triple-A to back up rising prospect Samuel Basallo.
Stallings, per estimates by Baseball Savant, ranks low in almost every offensive metric in the sport. In addition, his defense appears to have diminished to well below-average. The veteran backstop struck out 31 times in 84 at-bats, while walking only five times.
It’s unlikely Stallings sees any meaningful playing time at the major league level, barring another injury. Given his diminishing performance, he’ll likely stay at Triple-A until he is released when Rutschman or Handley return.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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