Throughout this MLB offseason, the Baltimore Orioles have been a whirlwind of activity, making moves that have kept fans and analysts intrigued.

After a significant shake-up on their coaching staff, promoting Cody Asche as the new hitting coach, Baltimore has now turned its attention to strengthening their roster amidst a series of other league-wide decisions.

The Orioles decided to keep key contributors by picking up club options on notable players like slugger Ryan O’Hearn and relievers Seranthony Dominguez and Cionel Perez.

Even with these familiar faces secured for the 2025 season, the Orioles’ roster needed a boost, and Baltimore didn’t hesitate to make strategic moves.

In a decisive effort to address their roster depth, the Orioles welcomed two players via waivers.

Catcher Rene Pinto, formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays, and pitcher Thaddeus Ward from the Washington Nationals were claimed, adding fresh talent to their lineup.

Rene Pinto’s journey has been a rollercoaster.

He started the 2024 season as the Rays’ primary catcher but found himself demoted after just 19 games due to early struggles.

Despite his setbacks, Pinto has amassed experience over 82 Major League games, sporting a slash line of .231/.263/.404. His history of 10 home runs and 32 RBIs suggests operational potential when harnessed effectively.

Now donning an Orioles uniform, Pinto joins Adley Rutschman and Blake Hunt as part of the catching corps on the 40-man roster.

Given Baltimore’s reputation for developing talent, this new chapter could be the fresh start Pinto needs.

Thaddeus Ward’s story has its own twists and turns. Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Boston Red Sox back in 2018, Ward was claimed by the Nationals as the top pick in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.

He faced a baptism by fire in 2023, competing in 26 games and enduring the typical first-year growing pains with a 6.37 ERA. Ward spent the following year honing his craft in the minors, deployed primarily as a starter in 28 outings with a 5.64 ERA.

The Orioles, searching for solutions in their pitching rotation, may decide to harness Ward’s experience as a starter, provided his development aligns with the organization’s future plans.

With these moves, the Orioles are laying down markers for an intriguing 2025 campaign.

Pinto and Ward are two pieces in a larger puzzle, as the team looks to blend fresh acquisitions with established talent. Orioles fans, get ready: this offseason effort is setting the stage for a powerful year ahead.