Minors

Orioles lose former prospect Carter Baumler in Rule 5 draft; Walker claimed off waivers, Romo designated for assignment

ORLANDO—For the third consecutive year, the Orioles didn’t take a player in the Rule 5 draft. This year, they had a full 40-man roster so they weren’t eligible to participate.

They lost one player, 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Carter Baumler, who was once a rising prospect in the organization before his career was derailed by injuries.

Baumler, who was an overslot fifth-round selection in the truncated 2020 draft, was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was 7-1 with a 3.05 ERA and two saves in 49 games.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

In 2025, Baumler was 2-0 with a 2.04 ERA with two saves in 28 games all in relief with Double-A Chesapeake, High-A Aberdeen and the Florida Complex League Orioles.

The Pirates must keep Baumler on their 26-man roster all season or else he’ll be offered back to the Orioles.

Ryan Watson, who was the Orioles’ minor league pitcher of the year in 2022, was picked by the Athletics from San Francisco’s organization.

For the second straight year, the Orioles did not make a selection in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

They lost right-handed pitcher Justin Armbruester to the New York Mets in the Triple-A draft. Armbruester, who was the team’s 12th-round selection in 2021, had been invited to major league spring training the past two years.

He’s also battled injuries and was 1-0 in 5 2/3 scoreless innings for Norfolk this season. In his 92 games in the Orioles organization, Armbruester was 18-19 with a 4.83 ERA with three saves.

Notes: The Orioles claimed left-handed pitcher Josh Walker off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. They had lost Walker on waivers on November 13th. Walker was selected off waivers from Philadelphia on August 21st, but he didn’t pitch for the Orioles. Catcher Drew Romo, who was claimed from Colorado on Friday, was designated for assignment. … Joe Buck, longtime FOX Sports baseball broadcaster, was named winner of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence.

Scroll Down to LEAVE A COMMENT

Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.

Share
Published by
Rich Dubroff

Recent Posts

  • Rich Dubroff

Tyler Wells ready for any role Orioles have in mind

It might be hard to believe that Tyler Wells is already 31 years old. He’s…

January 29, 2026
  • Mailbag

Could Bradish be Orioles’ No. 1 starter? | MAILBAG

Question: Why isn't Kyle Bradish considered a No. 1 starter? He finished 4th in Cy…

January 29, 2026
  • The Bird Tapes

She Made Orioles History | Bird Tapes Podcast

In the beginning, the Orioles wanted Fran Moulden for her looks. The year was 1968.…

January 28, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

Framber Valdez remains a free agent while Orioles get closer to spring training

Two weeks from today, pitchers and catchers have their first workout at the Ed Smith…

January 28, 2026
  • Rich Dubroff

Oriole prospects attracting attention; Basallo, Beavers reflect on their 1st season

Oriole prospects continue to attract attention. Five Orioles were named in Baseball America’s Top 100…

January 27, 2026
  • Mailbag

What’s your early opinion of Orioles manager Craig Albernaz? | MAILBAG

Question: I’m trying very hard to see the difference between the new Oriole manager and…

January 27, 2026