The Washington Nationals acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Lowe, 29, won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2023, a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award in 2022, and was a member of the 2023 World Champion Texas Rangers. In 2024, he paced the Rangers and ranked in the American League in walks (6^th, 71) and on-base percentage (9^th, .361). His .361 on-base percentage ranked second among American League first basemen, while his .762 OPS ranked third. Lowe’s 12.6% walk rate ranked fourth in all of Major League Baseball.

In his fourth season in Texas in 2024, Lowe hit .265 with 16 doubles, one triple, 16 home runs, 69 RBI, 71 walks, two stolen bases and 62 runs scored in 140 games. He ranked second among American League first basemen with seven outs above average and fourth with a .995 fielding percentage. Lowe is under club control through the 2026 season.

The left-handed hitting Lowe is a career .272/.356/.433 hitter with 114 doubles, 10 triples, 89 home runs, 329 RBI, 314 walks and 334 runs scored in 686 games across six Major League seasons with Texas (2021-24) and Tampa Bay. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Lowe was originally selected by the Rays in the 13^th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Mississippi State University.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka on a one-year contract on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Soroka, 27, pitched to a 4.74 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 79.2 innings pitched in 25 games (nine starts) for the Chicago White Sox in 2024. He opened the season in Chicago’s rotation before moving to the bullpen in mid-May. He went on to post a .189 opponents’ batting average, 15.00 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (60 SO/36.0 IP) and a 2.75 ERA (11 ER/36.0 IP) in 16 relief appearances the rest of the season. Soroka capped the 2024 campaign by striking out 13 of the 26 batters he faced with two walks and a .083 opponents’ batting average (2-for-24) across his final three outings.

A National League All-Star for the Atlanta Braves in 2019, Soroka went 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts en route to finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in his first full Major League season. From 2018 to 2023 as a member of the Braves staff, Soroka went 17-8 with a 3.32 ERA in 44 games (43 starts).

Soroka was selected by Atlanta in the first round (No. 28 overall) of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary, Alberta. He was acquired by the Chicago White Sox as a part of a five-player trade on Nov. 16, 2023.

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher TOMOYUKI SUGANO (菅野 智之) on a one-year major league contract for the 2025 season. 

Sugano (pronounced toh-moh-yoo-kee soo-GAH-noh), 35, has spent his entire 12-year professional career with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League in Japan. He won the Central League MVP last season, going 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA (29 ER/156.2 IP) with 132 hits (6 HR), 16 walks, four hit batters, and 111 strikeouts in 24 starts, including three complete games and one shutout. His 2.6 percent walk rate and 0.9 walks-per-nine innings were the lowest of his career. Sugano led NPB in wins, while his ERA ranked second and was the second lowest of his career.

A native of Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, Sugano has compiled a 136-74 record with a 2.43 ERA (501 ER/1,857.0 IP) with 1,568 hits (142 HR), 347 walks (12 IBB), 52 hit batters, and 1,585 strikeouts in 276 career games (248 GS) with the Giants. He is a three-time Central League MVP (2014, 2020, 2024), a three-time Central League Mitsui Golden Glove Award winner (2016-18), an eight-time All-Star (2013-19, 2022), a two-time Eiji Sawamura Award honoree (2017-18), presented to the top pitcher in NPB each season, and MVP of the 2013 Central League Climax Series, the playoff format in NPB. Sugano has led the Central League in wins four times (2017-18, 2020, & 2024), ERA four times (2014, 2016-18), and strikeouts twice (2016, 2018). He earned the triple crown in 2018 after leading NPB in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He also pitched for Team Japan at the 2017 World Baseball Classic and started the semifinal game against Team USA on March 21, 2017, at Dodger Stadium, allowing one unearned run on three hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Sugano attended Tokai University (Tokyo, JPN).

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

The Washington Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Evan Reifert in the Major League phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Reifert, 25, joins the Nationals after spending the last three seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He pitched in 35 games for Double-A Montgomery in 2024, going 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA (9 ER/41.1 IP). He struck out 65 and allowed just 22 hits, holding opponents to a .155  batting average, earning a Southern League All-Star nod at season’s end.

Following the 2023 season, the Wilton, Iowa native struck out 25 and allowed just one hit in 11.2 scoreless innings in the Arizona Fall League, earning the league’s Pitcher of the Year Award.

The hard-throwing reliever ranks sixth in all of Minor League Baseball (min. 140.0 IP) since 2018, holding opponents to a .165 batting average in those six seasons.

Reifert is 12-5 with a 3.01 ERA in 112 Minor League games in his career after he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft. He has struck out 242 in 146.1 innings of work.

Fans who purchase tickets from Dec. 11-22 will be entered into the
‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes, the biggest giveaway in Club history 
Highlights Include Team Road Trip, 20^th Anniversary Ring,
Spring Training Experience and Free Tickets

Single-game tickets for the Washington Nationals 20^th Anniversary season are now on sale to the general public, and fans who purchase at least one ticket from Wednesday, Dec. 11, through Sunday, Dec. 22, will be automatically entered into the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 20 incredible prizes. Fans can purchase tickets and learn more about the sweepstakes at nats.com/Cheers.

The Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes – the biggest sweepstakes in Club history – is part of the Nationals’ season-long NATS20 celebration, which will thank fans for two decades of #NATITUDE. One grand prize winner and a guest will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a road trip like a Major Leaguer, from travel on the official team charter, hotel accommodations, game tickets and even per diem for food and drinks during the trip. Additionally, one grand prize winner will receive an authentic 20^th Anniversary ring, commissioned specially for the season, with a retail value of nearly $6,000. One second place winner will receive an all-inclusive Spring Training package for two people, including travel, hotel accommodations, food and premium tickets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Eighteen other winners will each receive 20 tickets to use at any point during the 2025 regular season.

The Nationals’ 20^th Anniversary season begins at Nationals Park on Thursday, March 27, at 4:05 p.m. versus the Philadelphia Phillies. The NATS20 campaign will feature alumni appearances, the chance for fans to relive their favorite moments from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball and special giveaways:

• Friday, April 4 – Replica commemorative ring (20,000 fans)
• Among the 20,000 replicas, 20 lucky fans will find a special “golden ticket” in their giveaway box, which can be redeemed for an authentic commemorative ring valued at nearly $6,000.
• Saturday, April 5 – Replica 2005 jersey (20,000 fans)
• Saturday, April 26 – NATS20 cap (20,000 fans)
• Saturday, May 24 – Mystery moments bobblehead (20,000 fans)
• Fans will receive one of three “mystery moments” bobbleheads, each highlighting a special memory from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball
• Sunday, June 15 – NATS20 Hawaiian shirt (20,000 fans)

The full promotional schedule is available now at nats.com/Promotions. Single-game tickets for the 2025 season, as well as details about the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes, are available now at nats.com/Cheers.

The Orioles today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder TYLER O’NEILL on a three-year major league contract for the 2025-27 seasons with a player opt-out following 2025, and catcher GARY SÁNCHEZ on a one-year major league contract for the 2025 season. 

O’Neill, 29, slashed .241/.336/.511 (99-for-411) with 18 doubles, 31 home runs, 74 runs scored, 61 RBI, 53 walks (5 IBB), seven hit-by-pitches, and four stolen bases in 113 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. His 31 homers led the team, the first Red Sox outfielder to lead the club in home runs since 2019. He was selected as the 2024 Players Choice Awards American League Comeback Player of the Year, an honor voted on by fellow players. O’Neill led all qualified MLB players with a .750 slugging percentage and finished second with a 1.179 OPS against left-handed pitching last season, while his 16 homers against southpaws were tied for the second most in the majors in 2024. In his first game with the Red Sox on March 28 at Seattle, he went deep in his fifth straight Opening Day to become the first player in MLB history to do so. O’Neill tallied two walk-off hits last year, including a three-run home run with Boston trailing 3-2 in the 10^th inning on September 11 against Baltimore. 

The two-time Gold Glover with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020 and 2021 was acquired by the Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitchers Nick Robertson and Victor Santos on December 8, 2023. In seven big league seasons between the two clubs, O’Neill has batted .246/.322/.469 (462-for-1875) with 85 doubles, three triples, 109 home runs, 313 runs scored, 278 RBI, 189 walks (5 IBB), 29 hit-by-pitches, and 44 stolen bases in 590 games. Born in Burnaby, British Columbia, his 109 homers are 10^th all-time by a Canadian-born player and the second most among active players behind Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (160). O’Neill was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round (No. 85 overall) of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Garibaldi (BC, CAN) Secondary School before being acquired by St. Louis for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales on July 21, 2017. 

Sánchez, 32, slashed .220/.307/.392 (54-for-245) with seven doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 30 runs scored, 37 RBI, 27 walks, and five hit-by-pitches in 89 games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. He also appeared in two Postseason games in the National League Wild Card Series against the New York Mets, going 2-for-7 with a double. Seven of his 11 homers came against left-handed pitchers as he slugged .423 against southpaws compared to .369 vs. righties last season. 

Over 10 MLB seasons, Sánchez has batted .224/.309/.463 (636-for-2836) with 118 doubles, three triples, 184 home runs, 404 runs scored, 485 RBI, 308 walks (9 IBB), 49 hit-by-pitches, and six stolen bases in 830 career games with the Brewers, Mets, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees. The two-time All-Star has hit 151 homers as a catcher since 2016, trailing only Kansas City’s Salvador Perez (152) for the most in the majors during that time. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2016 behind Detroit’s Michael Fulmer and earned his only career Silver Slugger Award in 2017. 

Twenty lucky fans will receive “golden ticket” redeemable for
authentic 20^th Anniversary commemorative ring

The Washington Nationals today unveiled highlights of the Club’s 2025 promotional schedule, featuring an array of exclusive bobbleheads, collectibles, player-designed wearables and special events for fans of all ages. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with early access for Season Plan Holders.

Throughout the season, the Nationals will celebrate two decades of #NATITUDE with special giveaways, alumni appearances and more. To kickstart the 20^th Anniversary festivities and to mark exactly 20 years since the Nationals’ inaugural game (April 4, 2005, at Philadelphia), NATS20 Anniversary Weekend will feature one of the biggest promotions in team history. While 20,000 fans attending the game vs. Arizona on Friday, April 4, will receive a replica 20^th Anniversary ring, 20 lucky fans will receive a “golden ticket” redeemable for the real thing, valued at nearly $6,000. The celebration continues the following day, as 20,000 fans receive 2005 replica jerseys, with additional NATS20 giveaways scheduled throughout the season.

NATS20 Promotions

• Friday, April 4 – Replica commemorative ring (20,000 fans)

o   Among the 20,000 replicas, 20 lucky fans will find a special “golden ticket” in their giveaway box, which can be redeemed for an authentic commemorative ring valued at nearly $6,000

Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) is pleased to announce that the Baltimore Orioles organization has been named the recipient of the inaugural MiLB Sportsmanship Award. This award is presented to the Major League Baseball (“MLB”) organization whose Minor League personnel best exemplify MiLB’s commitment to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and professionalism on the field.

Four organizations were selected as finalists for this award for the 2024 season: Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore’s four affiliates – Norfolk, Bowie (now Chesapeake), Aberdeen and Delmarva – set the standard for exemplary sportsmanship while maintaining a competitive environment for player development without undue interruptions from on-field conflicts. Remarkably, no player, manager, or coach in the Orioles system missed a game due to a suspension for on-field conduct in 2024.

“From top to bottom throughout the season, the Orioles organization stood out for their professionalism on the field and the respect shown to umpires, opponents, and fans,” said Michael Hill, MLB’s Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “We appreciate their efforts and are pleased to recognize them with this well-deserved honor.”

“We pride ourselves on building a strong learning environment that helps people grow and believe that displaying exemplary behavior is an important aspect of that standard,” said Anthony Villa, Baltimore’s Director of Player Development. “We are proud to be recognized by Minor League Baseball with the inaugural MiLB Sportsmanship Award as this is a credit to our players, our coaches, our support staff, and everyone in between, showcasing their positive energy and the effort they bring to their jobs every single day.”

Each season, MLB organizations work closely with their on-field personnel to emphasize the importance of developing as professionals while creating a positive environment on and off the field. Educational materials are provided to communicate the significance of an on-field culture that positively impacts the game of baseball, Minor League players, and fans.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• RHP Thaddeus Ward has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 37 players.

NATS20 Celebration Highlights Include:

Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes
Fan Favorite Moments
NATS20 Promotional Items
NATS20 Tuesdays

The Washington Nationals today announced the launch of NATS20, a season-long 20^th Anniversary celebration, thanking fans for two decades of #NATITUDE. Highlighted by the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes, the campaign features in-park giveaways, special alumni appearances and the chance for fans to relive their favorite memories from the first 20 years of Nationals baseball. Details of the sweepstakes – the biggest in Club history – will be unveiled next week when single-game tickets go on sale.

“From our first game at RFK, to Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off to open Nationals Park and of course 2019 World Series, the last 20 years have been filled with so many amazing and memorable moments,” said Mark D. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club. “And while the players, the ballpark and even the logo have changed, our fans have remained constant, which is why we’re so excited to put them at the forefront of our 20^th Anniversary celebration. We look forward to hearing their stories and to making many more with the next generation of our players and fans.”

The Nationals 2025 promotional calendar, including exclusive NATS20 giveaways, will be unveiled next week when single-game tickets go on sale, alongside details of the Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes.

The Orioles today announced that individual tickets for all Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium will go on sale Monday, December 9, at 12 p.m. ET. The club also announced its Spring Training promotional schedule.

Beginning Monday, fans can purchase individual tickets for all 2025 Spring Training games at Ed Smith Stadium. Birdland Members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets as part of an exclusive pre-sale on Thursday, December 5. Fans who register for the Sarasota 365 newsletter will also have access to a pre-sale on Monday, December 9 at 10 a.m. Single game tickets can be purchased online at Orioles.com/SpringTickets. The Ed Smith Stadium Box Office will be open for in-person sales beginning Tuesday, January 21 at 10 a.m. and will remain open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for all of Spring Training.

The 2025 Spring Training promotional schedule features giveaways and experiences for fans of all ages. Again this year, the Orioles will invite children and seniors to run the bases after select home games. Kids Run the Bases, presented by The Out-of-Door Academy, is open to all fans ages four to 14 following every Sunday home game, while Seniors Stroll the Bases, presented by Sunways Senior Living Concierge, will return following Monday and Wednesday home games for fans ages 60 and older.

The promotional schedule is also highlighted by special event days and giveaways. Fans can enjoy Heroes Day (February 25) presented by Cheney Brothers, Family Weekend (March 8-9), Youth Sports Day (March 9) presented by First Watch, and Fireworks Night (March 21). They can also receive various giveaways throughout the spring season, including a Magnet Schedule (February 22) presented by Tommy’s Express Car Wash, a Plush Cow (March 1) presented by Chick-fil-A, an Orioles Rally Towel (March 8), and a Spring Training Gunnar Henderson T-shirt (March 14).

As part of the first ever Family Weekend, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a Family Weekend ticket package. The offer, which provides a 25 percent savings, starts at $20 per ticket and can be used to purchase anywhere from three to eight tickets. Family Weekend will have something fun for all ages, including meet and greets with the Oriole Bird. Fans can purchase ticket packages and find additional details at Orioles.com/SpringFamilyWeekend.

The Washington Nationals have been named the recipient of the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence in recognition of a decade of community impact through the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday. The Academy, the signature program of Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the Club’s charitable arm, uses baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among youth living in underserved communities.

Established in 2014, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy embodies the broader mission of Nationals Philanthropies in fueling access and opportunities for all of D.C.’s children, families and communities to thrive. In the decade since, the Academy has served more than 6,000 children ages 5 to 18 through a continuum of holistic youth development programs. Six classes have matriculated from third through eighth grade in the core after-school and summer program, going on to excel on and off the field at some of the region’s most competitive high schools and, more recently, enrolling in colleges across the country.

“Throughout its first 10 years, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has grown into a community pillar, helping children, families and communities thrive through year-round programs,” said Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, founding chair and board member of Washington Nationals Philanthropies and president of The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation. “We are extremely honored that the Nationals Academy, the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies, has been selected by Major League Baseball and its fans as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. We are proud of the decade of impact the Academy has made thus far, and we remain committed to serving our neighbors across the District with continued resources and programming for years to come.”

“The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is a terrific example of how our Clubs are making a difference in the lives of young people with opportunities on and off the field,” said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. “I congratulate the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals organization, Nationals Philanthropies, and the entire staff at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy for this well-earned recognition. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and we look forward to their continued impact throughout the Greater D.C. region.”

The Academy provides a range of free youth development and baseball/softball programs, from fun, free clinics for beginners to structured programming that includes training, tournament play, participation in MLB events and more. Academy offerings have evolved over the last decade in response to community need and the growth of youth participants. 

The Baltimore Orioles today announced the return of the weekly “Orioles Hot Stove Show” on WBAL NewsRadio, the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network. Beginning Thursday, December 5, fans can tune into AM 1090/FM 101.5 and WBAL.com each Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. ET as Orioles broadcasters GEOFF ARNOLD and BRETT HOLLANDER provide Orioles news, analysis, exclusive interviews, and more.

Arnold and Hollander will host the Hot Stove Show every Thursday from December 5, until the team reports to Spring Training in mid-February, with some exceptions. For more information, including updates on live show dates and locations, visit Orioles.com/HotStove.

This Thanksgiving, the Baltimore Orioles continued their long-standing commitment to the community, partnering with key organizations to support families and individuals in need across Birdland. Through food donations, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, the Orioles made a tangible impact in the lives of those who needed it most during this season of giving.

“As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, the Orioles remain committed to supporting the Baltimore and Sarasota communities, especially those who need it most,” said KERRY R. WATSON, JR., Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “Whether it’s providing meals, volunteering our time, or partnering with local organizations like Giant Food, Wegmans, and CareFirst, we are proud to make a positive impact and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season.”

Gift Cards and Food Donation to Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
In collaboration with Giant Food, the Orioles made a special Thanksgiving donation to the students and families of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. The team contributed 25 gift cards and 50 pies, ensuring these families could enjoy a festive holiday meal together. Additionally, Orioles employees rallied to collect more than 1,100 canned goods and other non-perishable items, further supporting the school's efforts to provide for those in need.

Volunteering at The Food Project
On Tuesday, November 19, the Orioles Corporate Partnerships team, alongside employees from CareFirst, volunteered at The Food Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Volunteers assisted in preparing meals in the kitchen, distributing food, and packing toiletry bags for those in need. Following their work, volunteers joined students and staff across the street for a meal, prepared by the talented chefs and students at The Food Project.

Providing Thanksgiving Meals for Families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School
In partnership with Wegmans, the Orioles helped to provide full Thanksgiving meals to 50 families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School (HPEMS) as part of their Adopt-A-School campaign. Wegmans worked alongside the Orioles to create a Thanksgiving shopping experience for families as well as providing holiday activities for students.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Agreed to terms on 2025 minor league contracts with LHP Raul Alcantara, OF Franklin Barreto, and INF Jeremiah Jackson.

The Orioles today announced their 2025 major league coaching staff, led by 2023 American League Manager of the Year BRANDON HYDE in his seventh season. The club has named CODY ASCHE as the hitting coach, ROBINSON CHIRINOS as the bench coach, TOMMY JOSEPH as the assistant hitting coach, SHERMAN JOHNSON as the assistant hitting coach/upper level hitting coordinator, and BUCK BRITTON as a major league coach. The other coaches are remaining in their same positions: GRANT ANDERS as major league development coach (2^nd season), TIM COSSINS as major league field coordinator/catching instructor (7^th), DREW FRENCH as pitching coach (2^nd), RYAN KLIMEK as pitching strategy coach (3^rd), TONY MANSOLINO as third base coach (5^th), MITCH PLASSMEYER as assistant pitching coach (2^nd), and ANTHONY SANDERS as first base coach (6^th).

Asche, 34, spent the last two years as the offensive strategy coach. He served as the organization’s upper-level hitting coordinator in 2022. He played five years in the big leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies (2013-16) and Chicago White Sox (2017) and finished his professional playing career in 2020 following the cancellation of the minor league season. His coaching career started in 2021 with the Phillies as the hitting coach for Single-A Clearwater. In 2023, Asche helped the Orioles rank among MLB teams in home runs (2^nd, 235), slugging percentage (3^rd, .435), total bases (3^rd, 2,424), OPS (4^th, .750), runs scored (4^th, 786), and triples (T-4^th, 33).

Chirinos, 40, joins the Orioles after an 11-year MLB career that began in 2011 with Tampa Bay and ended in 2022 with Baltimore. He batted .226/.319/.419 (480-for-2124) with 114 doubles, five triples, 95 home runs, 275 runs scored, 306 RBI, 231 walks, 69 hit-by-pitches, and five stolen bases in 714 career games between the Tampa Bay Rays (2011), Texas Rangers (2013-18, 20), Houston Astros (2019), New York Mets (2020), Chicago Cubs (2021), and Orioles (2022). From 2013-19, he was the sixth-most valuable primary MLB catcher with a 13.0 bWAR. This will be his first professional coaching position.

Joseph, 33, completed his first season as an MLB coach in 2024 as the assistant hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners. He joined the Mariners after three seasons as a minor league hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants with High-A Eugene in 2023 and with the New York Mets for Double-A Binghamton in 2022 and Single-A St. Lucie in 2021. Joseph appeared in 249 MLB games with the Phillies from 2016-17 and slashed .247/.297/.460 (200-for-810) with 42 doubles, one triple, 43 home runs, 98 runs scored, 116 RBI, 55 walks, six hit-by-pitches, and two stolen bases. He participated in the 2012 Futures Game as a member of the Giants before being acquired by Philadelphia at the trade deadline along with two players in exchange for Hunter Pence on July 31, 2012. Joseph also appeared in the Rangers and Red Sox organizations, as well as one season with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Organization, and with Team Texas of the Independent Constellation Energy League as part of an 11-year professional playing career from 2010-20.

Britton, 38, joins Baltimore’s big league staff after spending the last three seasons as the manager at Triple-A Norfolk, his sixth overall managing in the O’s minor league system along with 2019-21 (Double-A Bowie) and 2018 (Single-A Delmarva). He started his coaching career as the hitting coach for Delmarva in 2017 after a nine-year minor league playing career with the Orioles (2008-14), Los Angeles Dodgers (2015), and Minnesota Twins (2016). Britton guided the Tides to the Triple-A National Championship and International League Championship in 2023 and earned International League Manager of the Year for his efforts. He also earned Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2019 after leading the Baysox to their second league Championship Series in franchise history. Britton was named the 2021 and 2023 recipient of the Orioles' Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award, given annually to a minor league staff member who exemplifies Ripken’s qualities as an instructor. He is the just the third multi-time winner since the award’s inception in 2003. This will be Britton’s first coaching position at the MLB level. He is the older brother of former Orioles pitcher, two-time All-Star, and 12-year MLB veteran ZACK BRITTON.

The Nationals have tendered contracts to all unsigned 40-man roster players with the exception of Kyle Finnegan and Tanner Rainey.

Finnegan and Rainey are now free agents.

The 40-man roster is now at 36. 

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Tendered 2025 contracts to LHP Keegan Akin, RHP Kyle Bradish, RHP Dean Kremer, INF/OF Jorge Mateo, INF Ryan Mountcastle, OF Cedric Mullins, LHP Trevor Rogers, C Adley Rutschman, LHP Gregory Soto, INF Ramón Urías, and RHP Tyler Wells, as well as all pre-arbitration 40-man players.
• Agreed to terms with INF Emmanuel Rivera on a one-year contract for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration.
• Declined to tender a contract to RHP Jacob Webb, allowing him to become a free agent.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 38 players.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Selected the contracts of RHP Kade Strowd and RHP Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 39 players.

RHP Corbin Burnes and OF Anthony Santander have declined the club’s qualifying offers for the 2025 season.