Orioles' Offseason Roster Move Puzzles Fans
The Baltimore Orioles have made several offseason signings, but their latest contract decision has left many fans confused. Earlier this week, the team re-signed right-handed reliever Rico Garcia to a one-year Major League contract. Garcia's strong performance during the final two months of the 2025 season made this move well-received by fans.
Surprising Signing of Luis Vazquez
The Orioles then announced a one-year Major League contract for utility infielder Luis Vazquez for the 2026 season. Vazquez played in just 32 games last year, posting a .160/.208/.240 slash line with two extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts.
Confusion Around the Contract
What puzzles many is why the Orioles signed Vazquez to this contract at all. He has only 47 days of MLB service time, is pre-arbitration eligible, and remains under club control through the 2030 season. Typically, players like Vazquez are tendered contracts early in the offseason, outrighted to the minors, or non-tendered and then re-signed to Minor League deals.
"The whole situation is rather odd."
This unusual move has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Summary
The Orioles' decision to sign Luis Vazquez to a Major League deal despite his limited playtime and controllable status is an unconventional roster choice unlikely to be easily explained.