Orioles Sign Sam Huff To Minor League Deal

The Baltimore Orioles quietly added some catching depth this week. They signed veteran backstop Sam Huff to a minor-league contract and invited him to big-league camp.

This move probably won’t grab any headlines. Still, it’s the kind of transaction you’d expect from a front office that values depth, versatility, and low-risk upside as they build for another competitive season.

Orioles Add Experienced Catcher on Minor-League Deal

MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko reported that the Orioles brought in Huff as a non-roster invitee for spring training. Huff is 28 and has spent parts of five seasons in the majors after Texas picked him in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.

This signing fits the late-winter mold: experienced player, steadying the upper minors, and pushing younger guys in camp. For Baltimore, it’s more about insurance than expecting him to grab a big-league role right away.

Big-League Track Record Shows Power and Flaws

Huff’s major-league résumé includes 272 plate appearances. He’s hit a respectable .247/.301/.430 slash line during that time.

On paper, he looks like a catcher with some pop. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see why he hasn’t held down a regular job.

His offensive profile is extreme: a massive 36% strikeout rate paired with a high .350 BABIP. He can crush mistakes, but consistent contact has been tough for him at the highest level.

Defensive Skills Are a Mixed Bag

Behind the plate, Huff brings both positives and clear limitations. Pitch framing is a strength, which teams increasingly value in backup catchers.

But other defensive aspects have held him back.

Blocking and Running Game Remain Concerns

Over 507 career innings in the majors, Huff has thrown out just 18.5% of attempted base stealers. He’s also been charged with eight passed balls.

Those numbers highlight his ongoing struggles with blocking and controlling the running game. That’s often what separates starters from organizational depth guys.

Triple-A Production Suggests Depth Value

Huff has really found value at Triple-A. Across roughly 1,200 plate appearances, he’s posted a strong .258/.338/.476 slash line with legit extra-base pop.

• 56 home runs
• 60 doubles
• 10.2% walk rate

But even in the minors, contact issues follow him. He’s struck out at a 29.9% rate there.

The power’s real, but the swing-and-miss limits his ceiling.

Where Huff Fits in Baltimore’s Catching Picture

In Baltimore, Huff slots in as organizational depth. The Orioles already have one of baseball’s premier catchers in Adley Rutschman.

Elite prospect Samuel Basallo is looming as the long-term successor or maybe even a complement.

Triple-A Depth and Positional Versatility

Huff will probably spend most of 2026 in Triple-A Norfolk. He might share time with Maverick Handley, who lost his 40-man roster spot after a brief stint in the majors in 2025.

Huff’s played first base in 73 career games between the majors and minors. That kind of flexibility is something clubs appreciate over a long season, even if it doesn’t make headlines.

A Low-Risk Move with Limited Upside

This looks like a classic low-risk signing. Huff offers right-handed power and some professional experience.

He brings a bit of positional versatility, though he’s got limitations with contact and defense. For the Orioles, that’s fine.

He’s here for depth, not to be a cornerstone. In a 162-game season, depth sometimes matters more than a flashy move.

For a contending club with championship aspirations, Sam Huff doesn’t raise the ceiling, but he does help protect the floor.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles, Sam Huff Agree To Minor League Deal