Reviewing Orioles’ international prospects; Kittredge joins bullpen; Caravan events

The International Signing Period begins on Wednesday, and the Orioles plan to continue building up their Latin American prospect base. A year ago, the Orioles opened their long-awaited Dominican Republic Academy, and at the Winter Meetings, Koby Perez, the team’s vice president for international scouting, said he hoped to sign about a dozen prospects this year.

The Orioles have $6,908,600 to spend in their international signing bonus pool.

Perez arrived in January 2019, and the Orioles, who had little presence in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, had to scramble to sign players in the period that began six months later.

One of those signed in July 2019 was right-handed pitcher Moisés Chace, who was traded by the Orioles to Philadelphia in July 2024 in the deal that brought left-hander Gregory Soto to Baltimore.

Chace, who had four starts for Double-A Reading and two for High-A Jersey Shore after the trade, was placed on the Phillies’ 40-man roster in November.

In 2021, the Orioles made a big step by signing catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo to a $1.3 million bonus. Basallo, who turned 20 in August, could become the team’s first homegrown international prospect to make the majors since 2011. He hit a combined .278 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs and a .790 OPS for Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk.

According to MLB Pipeline, Basallo is the Orioles’ second-highest rated prospect and the 13^th-highest rated overall.

They also signed shortstop Maikol Hernández to a $1.2 million contract. Hernández, who’s 21, hit a combined .174 with two home runs and 22 RBIs in 76 games with the Florida Complex League Orioles and Single-A Delmarva in 2024.

While the bulk of international prospects sign as soon as they can in January, others don’t. The Orioles’ eighth-rated prospect, left-hander Luis De Léon, didn’t sign until the end of the 2021 signing period, on December 15^th. De Léon was 3-5 with a 4.62 ERA in 26 games, 18 starts for Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen. He struck out 106 batters in 87 2/3 innings.

Four international 2022 signees are on the top 30 prospect list, including outfielders Thomas Sosa (14^th), Braylin Tavera (15^th) shortstop Leandro Arias (20^th) and infielder Aron Estrada (28^th).

Another 2022 signee, Cuban infielder César Prieto, was traded to St. Louis in August 2023 in the deal that brought Jack Flaherty to Baltimore.

In 2023, they added three more top 30 prospects: shortstop Luis Almeyda (30^th), shortstop Joshua Liranzo (19^th) and right-hander Keeler Morfe (26^th).

Last year, outfielder Stiven Martinez (ninth), right-hander Esteban Mejia (25^th) and shortstop Emilio Sanchez (23^rd) were the biggest names.

Orioles sign Kittredge after reported interest in Hoffman falls through

The Orioles announced the signing of right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge on Monday. Over the weekend, there was a report that the team had reached an agreement on a three-year, $40 million contract with right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman, but it had fallen through after Hoffman reportedly failed a physical.

On Monday, MLB.com reported that the Atlanta Braves also nixed a deal with Hoffman, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract with Toronto.

In 2013, the Orioles were searching for a new closer to replace Jim Johnson, and they settled on Grant Balfour, who had been an All-Star with Oakland, but he failed the Orioles’ physical. Balfour signed with Tampa Bay instead, and in 65 games, had a career-worst 4.91 ERA in 2014. He was released after six games in 2015.

The Orioles decided to start 2014 with Tommy Hunter as their closer, but quickly pivoted to Zack Britton, who became the best closer in team history.

Caravan details announced

Some of the most recognizable Orioles — shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, outfielder Colton Cowser and infielders Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg — will be among those participating in the team’s annual Caravan on January 30^th, 31^st and February 1^st.

First basemen Ryan Mountcastle and Ryan O’Hearn, pitchers Chayce McDermott, Cade Povich and Albert Suárez also will participate, as will manager Brandon Hyde and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias.

Events will be held in Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Ellicott City, Halethorpe and Severn. The Orioles say that there will be surprise locations in Frederick, Harford and Montgomery counties.

On January 30^th, there will be a Happy Hour at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, featuring guest bartending, photos and Q&A’s with players. Tickets can be purchased at Orioles.com/Caravan.

January 31^st will feature a karaoke happy hour from 5-9 p.m. at PBR Baltimore in Power Plant Live!

There will also be events for younger fans and visits to schools and participation in community projects.

More details are available at Orioles.com/Caravan..

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.