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

Braves’ Marcell Ozuna linked to AL team after latest MLB trade

Ozuna would be a nice addition for the AL squad looking for talent.

Aѕtroѕ Lіnked to 3.20 ERA Lefty Amіd Frаmber Vаldez Uncertаіnty

The Houston Astros are staring down a pivotal offseason, and one of the biggest storylines involves the uncertain future of Framber Valdez. After a rocky 2025 campaign and what…

Cotillo: Does Sonny Gray trade signal Red Sox are done with big-name rotation additions?

The Red Sox began their offseason with a clear need for a No. 2 starter. Is Sonny Gray that guy?

Cubs’ Sneaky $8.45M Pitching Power Grab: Locking Down Steele & Assad’s Ace Duo While Hoarding Cash for a $300M Bat Bombshell

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs’ offseason took a revealing turn when the club made their tender decisions on arbitration-eligible players. While the moves to tender contracts to pitchers Justin Steele and Javier Assad appeared routine, the underlying financial calculus has become a crucial window into the front office’s long-term budget strategy for 2026 and …

Cardinals’ Post-Gray Fire Sale Bombshell: Arenado Trade – or Total Release – Locked In to Torch $42M Albatross and Ignite Rebuild Inferno!

The St. Louis Cardinals made a big move on Tuesday, but it can’t be the final one.

Giants’ Secret Weapon Unleashed: Snagging a Forgotten Gold Glove Titan This Winter to Ignite Overnight Defensive Domination

Giants projected to add former Gold Glove Award winner over the winter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.