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

🚨BREAKING: MIGUEL ROJAS ACCEPTS BACKUP ROLE TO HELP YOUNG DODGERS SHINE — A VETERAN’S SACRIFICE THAT MOVED THE CLUBHOUSE. The seasoned infielder’s decision to step back for the benefit of the team has inspired his teammates and fans alike. Will this selfless act of leadership be the key to unlocking the Dodgers’ future success? The clubhouse is buzzing with respect.👇👇

аn emotіonаl ѕtory іѕ cіrculаtіng іn the Loѕ аngeleѕ Dodgerѕ’ locker room аѕ veterаn ѕhortѕtoр Mіguel Rojаѕ іѕ reрortedly voluntаrіly аcceрtіng а reѕerve role for the uрcomіng…

White Sox’ Sam Antonacci Pulls Off Incredibly Savvy Trick Play at World Baseball Classic

🚨 WHITE SOX’ SAM ANTONACCI PULLS OFF SAVVY TRICK PLAY IN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 👇 Chicago White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci continues to steal the spotlight during…

🚨 RED SOX PREDICTED TO REUNITE WITH $61 MILLION ALL-STAR, FORMER CY YOUNG CANDIDATE TO FILL OUT GARRETT CROCHET-LED ROTATION 👇

The Boston Red Sox made significant moves this offseason to strengthen their pitching rotation, but with Opening Day fast approaching, one spot remains uncertain — the fifth…

🚨BREAKING: Yankees exploring the possibility of Gerrit Cole pitching in a Spring Training game—could this be a preview of what’s to come in 2026? With Cole’s power and precision, fans are eager to see if he’s ready to dominate once again. Will this early appearance set the tone for a dominant season? 👇👇👇

🚨 YANKEES EXPLORING POSSIBILITY OF GERRIT COLE PITCHING IN SPRING TRAINING GAME 👇 The New York Yankees could have Gerrit Cole back on the mound sooner than…

🚨BREAKING: Cubs make a plethora of roster moves as Opening Day draws near—what do these moves mean for Chicago’s 2026 season? With key adjustments and new additions, the team is gearing up for a fresh start. Who’s in, who’s out, and how will these changes impact their playoff push? 👇👇👇

🚨 CUBS MAKE MULTIPLE ROSTER MOVES AS OPENING DAY DRAWS NEAR 👇 As the 2026 MLB season quickly approaches, the Chicago Cubs have been active in spring…

Brewers Called Possible Trade Fit for Astros Two-Time All-Star

Apr 9, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Houston Astros second base Jose Altuve (27) hat on the field during batting practice prior to…