Orioles Outright Luis Vazquez, Open 40-Man Roster Spot

The Baltimore Orioles just made a tactical roster move with infielder Luis Vazquez. He cleared waivers and will continue his season at Triple-A Norfolk.

Vazquez’s major league numbers haven’t impressed so far. Still, he’s shown solid performance in the minors and brings defensive versatility, making him a useful depth option for the Orioles’ future plans.

This latest move shows the club’s ongoing balancing act. They’re juggling roster flexibility with the need for experienced, utility-style talent.

Vazquez’s Path from Chicago to Baltimore

The Chicago Cubs drafted Luis Vazquez in the 14th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He worked his way through their farm system and made his MLB debut in 2024.

His journey then took him to Baltimore. Over the 2025 season, he’s appeared in 47 games, splitting time between both clubs.

The Orioles picked him up last offseason, looking for extra depth and defensive coverage across the infield.

Finding a Role Despite Offensive Struggles

Vazquez’s offensive stats in the majors show he’s still searching for consistency. His career slash line sits at .145/.194/.210, with a 29.9% strikeout rate and a 4.5% walk rate.

Adapting to MLB pitching has clearly been a challenge. Yet, the Orioles saw enough potential to sign him to a major league contract earlier this month.

They structured the deal so they could outright him without losing control over his contract. This way, Vazquez gets a slightly higher guaranteed salary, and Baltimore keeps him available as a call-up if injuries or depth issues pop up later in the year.

Triple-A Performance Could Signal Growth

Vazquez’s big-league batting line might not raise eyebrows, but his production at Triple-A Norfolk is a different story. There, he’s posted a solid .271/.343/.413 with a 106 wRC+.

That suggests he can be a league-average hitter at the minor league level. There’s at least some optimism he could adjust and contribute more if he gets another shot in the majors.

Defensive Versatility Adds Value

Vazquez’s biggest selling point right now is his glove and adaptability. He’s shown solid defensive skills at multiple spots:

• Shortstop
• Second Base
• Third Base
• First Base
• Occasional outfield duty

This kind of flexibility is gold for managers these days. It opens up creative roster construction and helps cover injuries during the long, unpredictable MLB season.

Where Vazquez Fits in Baltimore’s Plans

Looking ahead, the Orioles’ bench is a mix of proven names and up-and-coming talent: Leody Taveras, Jeremiah Jackson, Maverick Handley, Ryan Noda, and Heston Kjerstad.

They’re also using platoon strategies with Ryan Mountcastle, Samuel Basallo, Tyler O’Neill, and Dylan Beavers. That gives the team flexibility to play the match-ups.

Potential Mid-Season Opportunities

Vazquez is currently outside the active roster, but he’s still a prime candidate for promotion if injuries or slumps hit Baltimore’s infield. His defensive reliability could matter a lot during a late-season push, especially if the Orioles are in contention and need to fill lineup gaps in a hurry.

Key Takeaway

Right now, the Orioles seem to care more about roster flexibility and player control than chasing quick wins. Vazquez’s journey really highlights how, in baseball’s long grind, the biggest moments sometimes come from guys who are just ready when the call comes.

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