Orioles Claim Marco Luciano Off Waivers to Bolster Infield Depth, Designate Jhonkensy Noel for Assignment

The Baltimore Orioles continued their roster reshaping on Wednesday, making a calculated move to address infield depth by claiming 24-year-old utility infielder Marco Luciano off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The transaction reflects Baltimore’s ongoing effort to strengthen organizational versatility while maintaining flexibility ahead of the upcoming season.

Luciano, a former top prospect who once ranked among the most highly touted young infielders in baseball, now gets a fresh opportunity with an Orioles organization known for player development and creative roster usage.

To make room for Luciano on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated outfielder Jhonkensy Noel for assignment. Noel had just been claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians earlier in the week, underscoring how quickly roster decisions can evolve during the offseason.

Marco Luciano’s Journey: From Top Prospect to Waiver Claim

Luciano’s path to Baltimore has been anything but linear.

Originally signed by the San Francisco Giants as a high-profile international prospect, Luciano quickly rose through the minor league system thanks to his raw power, strong arm, and middle-infield potential. At one point, he was viewed as a future cornerstone for San Francisco.

However, injuries and inconsistency slowed his ascent, and his opportunities at the major league level became sporadic.

Luciano was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 5, but his tenure in Pittsburgh was short-lived. Less than two months later, the Orioles saw enough upside to add him to their roster, betting on youth, positional flexibility, and untapped offensive potential.

Major League Performance: Limited Opportunity, Modest Results

At the big league level, Luciano has yet to establish himself offensively, though his exposure has been limited.

Across 41 total MLB games between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Luciano posted a .217 batting average with the Giants. His most extended stretch of big league action came in 2024, when he appeared in 27 games, hitting .211 with three RBIs.

Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they also reflect a player who never received consistent playing time or a defined role. Most of Luciano’s appearances came in short bursts, often during injury fill-ins or roster shuffling, making it difficult to build rhythm at the plate.

Defensively, Luciano has shown versatility, appearing at shortstop and second base in the majors — a key factor in Baltimore’s decision to claim him.

Triple-A Power Suggests Untapped Upside

While Luciano’s major league numbers remain underwhelming, his 2025 Triple-A performance paints a more encouraging picture.

Playing for Triple-A Sacramento, Luciano appeared in 125 games, hitting .214 while showcasing legitimate power:

• 23 home runs

• 66 RBIs

• Consistent extra-base pop from the infield

Although the batting average remains modest, the power production is significant — especially for a middle infielder. The Orioles are clearly intrigued by the idea that Luciano’s raw strength could translate more effectively with mechanical adjustments, improved plate discipline, or a more clearly defined role.

Baltimore has developed a reputation for extracting value from players with flawed but intriguing profiles, and Luciano fits that mold.

Why Luciano Fits the Orioles’ Needs

The Orioles entered the week seeking a utility infielder, and Luciano checks several important boxes:

• Age: At just 24, he still has developmental upside

• Positional flexibility: Experience at shortstop and second base

• Power potential: Rare pop for a middle infielder

• Roster control: Cost-effective depth option

With injuries and workload management always looming over a long MLB season, teams increasingly prioritize players who can move around the diamond without severely compromising offense or defense.

Luciano gives the Orioles another internal option who can serve as:

• A bench utility infielder

• Injury insurance for the middle infield

• A potential platoon or matchup-based starter

Jhonkensy Noel Designated for Assignment

To accommodate Luciano on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated Jhonkensy Noel for assignment.

Noel, an outfielder known for his raw power, was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians just days earlier. While the Orioles briefly took a chance on Noel’s upside, the organization ultimately prioritized infield depth over outfield power.

The move highlights the reality of roster churn during the offseason. Even recently acquired players are not guaranteed long-term opportunities when a club identifies a more pressing need.

Noel will now either be:

• Claimed by another team

• Traded

• Or, if unclaimed, outrighted to the minors

Additional Orioles Roster Notes

The Orioles also made several quieter but noteworthy roster moves as part of their ongoing organizational adjustments.

Josh Walker Clears Waivers

Left-handed pitcher Josh Walker cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk. Walker remains valuable depth for an Orioles bullpen that has emphasized matchup-based usage and left-handed relief options in recent seasons.

Clearing waivers allows Baltimore to retain Walker within the organization without occupying a 40-man roster spot — an important consideration as the team continues fine-tuning its roster.

Orioles Sign Eric Torres to Minor League Deal

On Tuesday, Baltimore signed left-handed pitcher Eric Torres to a minor league contract. While Torres is not expected to factor into immediate major league plans, he provides additional organizational depth and competition at the Triple-A and Double-A levels.

Such moves are essential for sustaining pitching depth across a full season, especially for a team with postseason aspirations.

What’s Next for Marco Luciano in Baltimore?

Luciano’s future with the Orioles will depend on several factors:

• His ability to improve contact consistency

• Defensive reliability at multiple infield positions

• How he performs in spring training or early-season opportunities

Baltimore does not need Luciano to become a star. They need him to be useful, flexible, and productive in a limited role. If he can provide power off the bench, handle spot starts, and avoid being a defensive liability, he could carve out a meaningful role.

At 24, time is still on his side — but the margin for error is narrowing.

Final Thoughts: A Low-Risk, Upside-Oriented Move

Claiming Marco Luciano off waivers is a low-risk, upside-driven decision for the Orioles. The cost is minimal, the roster need is real, and the potential reward — even in a limited capacity — could be significant.

For Luciano, it’s another chance to reset his trajectory with a franchise that has demonstrated patience and creativity in player development.

For Baltimore, it’s a reminder that depth, versatility, and upside often matter just as much as star power when building a sustainable contender.

As the offseason continues, moves like this — subtle but strategic — often prove just as important as headline-grabbing signings.