Orioles sign outfielder Ramón Laureano to 1-year contract with 2026 option

The Orioles signed outfielder Ramón Laureano to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026. The deal is for $4 million, according to The Athletic.

Laureano was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 16^th round of the 2014 draft. Mike Elias, the Orioles’ executive vice president/general manager, was running Houston’s drafts then.

In a seven-season career with Oakland, Cleveland and Atlanta, Laureano has a .247 average with a .749 OPS.

Last season, Laureano was released by the Guardians after hitting .143 in 31 games. After signing with the Braves, Laureano hit .296 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs and an .832 OPS. His OPS against left-handed pitching was .869.

His best season came in 2019 with the Athletics when he hit .288 with an .860 OPS, 24 home runs and 67 RBIs.

The right-handed hitter has played mostly center field but has also played right and center.

To make room for Laureano on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Luis Vázquez for assignment. They acquired Vázquez from the Chicago Cubs on Friday for cash considerations

Note: According to a report in the New York Post, Danny Coulombe, who spent the last two seasons with the Orioles, is an agreement with the Minnesota Twins on a one-year, $3 million contract. He spent 2020-2022 with the Twins. The Orioles failed to exercise Coulombe’s $4 million option for 2025 in November.

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