MLB rumors: Orioles eyeing former All-Star catcher in free agency

Orioles GM Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde looking at former Rockies/Padres catcher Elias Diaz with the 👀 emoji

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly interested in veteran catcher Elias Díaz, a former All-Star and the 2023 MLB All-Star Game MVP.

According to sources, Díaz’s name has surfaced as a potential fit for the Orioles, who are in the market for a backup catcher to complement their roster heading into the 2025 season.

Díaz, 33, made a name for himself last year with a clutch two-run home run off Orioles closer Félix Bautista in the 2023 All-Star Game, leading the National League to a 3-2 victory over the American League.

His performance earned him MVP honors in Seattle, marking the highlight of a career season with the Colorado Rockies, during which he batted .267 with 14 home runs and 72 RBIs.

Despite his All-Star season, Díaz’s 2024 campaign was less productive. He hit .270 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 84 games before being released by the Rockies in August.

Following his release, Díaz signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres and was called up during the September roster expansions.

Over his 10-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Rockies, Díaz has batted .252 with 61 home runs and 294 RBIs in 712 games.

Orioles need a backup catcher, Elias Díaz is the perfect fit

Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz (35) hits an RBI double in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Orioles’ interest in Díaz stems from their need for a backup catcher, especially if they decide not to re-sign James McCann, who was vital as the team’s second catcher in 2024.

Baltimore’s depth chart currently features Adley Rutschman as the primary backstop, but adding an experienced right-handed bat like Díaz would provide balance to the lineup and stability behind the plate.

Díaz’s veteran presence and ability to handle pitching staff could prove valuable for an Orioles team looking to build on its recent success.

His offensive skills, particularly his track record of timely hitting, could also bolster the team’s bench strength.

While Díaz represents a strong candidate, reports indicate that the Orioles are casting a wide net in their search for a veteran catcher.

The team’s needs extend beyond the backup catcher role, with a focus on bolstering their pitching rotation and potentially adding a right-handed bat for depth.

The Orioles are not expected to make sweeping changes to their roster this offseason, with their infield and outfield largely set.

However, the addition of a seasoned player like Díaz could address their specific needs while maintaining roster flexibility.

As the Orioles weigh their options in free agency, Díaz’s blend of experience, leadership, and offensive upside makes him an intriguing target for Baltimore.

A reunion with the former All-Star Game MVP would not only fill a key positional need but also bring a proven winner to Camden Yards.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB DRAMA: Frank Thomas Responds After White Sox’s Shocking Black History Month Post Snub — Is This the Beginning of a Bigger Rift? The Iconic Hall of Famer Is Not Holding Back! 👇

Frank Thomas Hits Back at White Sox After Glaring Black History Month Post Snub By Yasmin Edañol February 2, 2026 at 9:28 AM ET Chicago — Frank…

🚨 NETFLIX DROPS TRAILER FOR “MOOKIE BETTS: THE MIND THAT REDEFINED BASKETBALL” — A DOCUMENTARY THAT’S SHAKING THE SPORTS WORLD 🚨 In an unexpected twist, Netflix’s new documentary on Mookie Betts is already being hailed as one of the most intellectually powerful and emotionally grounded portraits of an athlete ever. Don’t miss the premiere!

Netflix Unveils “Mookie Betts: The Mind That Redefined Basketball,” a Documentary Already Rewriting How Greatness Is Understood When Netflix quietly released the official trailer for “Mookie Betts:…

🚨 BREAKING: BOSTON RED SOX RELEASE TWO ROOKIES FOR UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND LACK OF TEAM CULTURE FIT 🚨 In а ѕhockіng move, the Boѕton Red Sox hаve releаѕed two rookіeѕ over unрrofeѕѕіonаl behаvіor аnd fаіlure to аlіgn wіth the teаm’ѕ culture. Whаt doeѕ thіѕ meаn for the future of the teаm?

BOѕTON — іn а ѕurрrіѕe eаrly‑offѕeаѕon move thаt’ѕ mаkіng heаdlіneѕ throughout Mаjor Leаgue Bаѕebаll, the Boѕton Red ѕox hаve аnnounced the releаѕe of two rookіe рlаyerѕ thіѕ week for…

🚨 BRAVES FANS SHOCKED: Atlanta Set to Remove $30M All-Star from Rotation and Sign Lucas Giolito — What Does This Bold Move Mean for the Team’s Future? Is Giolito the Missing Piece to Push Them to the Next Level? Fans Are Stunned! 👇

Braves Predicted to Remove $30M All-Star from Rotation, Sign Lucas Giolito Published: February 02, 2026 at 12:33 PM ESTBy Aaliyan Mohammed, Contributing Sports Writer As the Atlanta…

🚨 SPRING TRAINING IS COMING: Red Sox Equipment Truck Makes a Stop at Polar Park on the Way to Florida — What Does This Mean for the Team’s 2026 Spring Plans? Fans Are Buzzing with Excitement! 👇

‘Spring is on the Way’: Red Sox Equipment Truck Stops by Polar Park En Route to FloridaStory by Worcester Telegram & Gazette Baseball season is finally on…

🚨 RED SOX FANS, PAY ATTENTION: Jarren Duran Is Getting Major Buzz Amid Trade Rumors — Could This Be the Moment He Breaks Out? With Bold Projections on the Horizon, What’s Next for the Young Star? The Talk Is Heating Up! 👇

Red Sox’s Jarren Duran Gets Bullish Projection Amid Trade RumorsBy Jackson Roberts As the Boston Red Sox continue to prepare for their 2026 season, one name that…