Earlier today, Von Paris Moving & Storage trucks carrying Orioles equipment departed from Camden Yards, making their way to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., in preparation for the 2023 Spring Training season. 

The trucks, which are carrying 320 uniforms, 300 hats, and 10 pitching machines, will travel 1,000 miles before arriving at the Orioles’ Spring Training home early next week. Also making the trip to Sarasota are 800 cases of baseballs and 300 bats.

The 2023 season will mark the Orioles’ 14^th Spring Training season in Sarasota and the club’s 13^th year at the renovated Ed Smith Stadium. Von Paris Moving & Storage has been the official mover of the Orioles since 1991. 

Spring Training games are slated to begin Saturday, February 25, as the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. Tickets are currently on-sale for all 17 Spring Training home games in Sarasota, which fans can purchase online at Orioles.com/SpringTickets. 

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher COLE IRVIN and minor league right-handed pitcher KYLE VIRBITSKY from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league infielder DARELL HERNAIZ.  

Irvin, 28, made 30 starts for the A’s in 2022, pitching to a 9-13 record with a career-best 3.98 ERA (80 ER/181.0 IP). He set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts (128) and tied his career high with 15 quality starts. The southpaw led Oakland in strikeouts, innings pitched, starts, quality starts, and wins, and ranked second among A’s pitchers in fWAR (1.4). His 14.4 pitches per inning were the second fewest in the American League, while his 1.79 BB/9 ratio ranked sixth best among qualified AL hurlers. 

A native of Anaheim, Calif., Irvin was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon. In 81 career Major League games (65 starts), he has gone 21-30 with a 4.40 ERA (198 ER/404.2 IP) and 288 strikeouts against 92 walks. He made his MLB debut on May 12, 2019 at Kansas City (W, 7.0 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 5 K). 

Virbitsky, 24, made 23 appearances (22 starts) between High-A Lansing and Low-A Stockton in his first full professional season in 2022, going 7-7 with a 4.63 ERA (65 ER/126.1 IP). He issued just 30 walks and struck out 140 batters, the most among A’s minor leaguers. Baseball America recently ranked him as having the best control in Oakland’s system. The right-hander was originally selected by the Athletics in the 17^th round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Penn State University. 

Hernaiz, 21, played at three levels in the Orioles organization last year, slashing .273/.341/.438 (111-for-406) with 21 doubles, five triples, 12 home runs, 72 runs scored, 62 RBI, and 32 stolen bases in 105 games between Double-A Bowie, High-A Aberdeen, and Low-A Delmarva. He played 58 games at shortstop, 24 at second base, and 21 at third base between the three teams. The infielder was originally selected by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Americas (TX) High School. 

The Orioles have made the following transaction:

• Agreed to terms with RHP Austin Voth on a one-year contract for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration. The deal includes a club option for 2024.

The Baltimore Orioles have teamed up with Levy, the market leader in creating unforgettable hospitality experiences at sports and entertainment venues, to craft an elevated food and beverage experience for fans visiting Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The partnership will kick off with the 2023 season, when Levy’s team will welcome fans with new signature offerings highlighting the iconic tastes of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, upgraded technology to allow faster and frictionless check-out options, and new culinary training opportunities for up-and-coming hospitality talent.

“Oriole Park has been a first-class destination for sports and music entertainment fans for over three decades, and as we look to the future to enhance the footprint and impact of Camden Yards, we are excited to welcome Levy onboard,” said JOHN ANGELOS, Orioles Chairman and CEO. “Together with Levy, we will provide world-class hospitality, food, and beverage experiences, to further develop Camden Yards as a top destination for sports, entertainment, and community service.”

“We’re so proud to partner with the Orioles at the truly iconic Camden Yards and build upon their vision for the ballpark,” said ANDY LANSING, CEO of Levy. “Camden Yards is a truly special place, and it sparked the evolutionary thinking that brought the fan experience to the forefront. With this inspiration, we look forward to collaborating with the Orioles and their fans to bring forward a hospitality experience that creates long-lasting memories on game day and throughout the Baltimore community.”

“We are thrilled to embark on a new partnership with Levy and bring exciting and innovative options to our ballpark,” said GREG BADER, Orioles Senior Vice President Administration and Experience. “We will work seamlessly with Levy to elevate the fan experience at Oriole Park from the concession stands to the Club Level suites, all while providing further opportunities to Strengthen Our Community and Empower Our Youth.”

Core to the partnership with Levy will be creating opportunities for up-and-coming chefs, restaurateurs, and food and beverage tastemakers in the Baltimore area. Hospitality enrichment and training programs will also be created to provide hospitality career advancement opportunities at the ballpark. Fans can also expect a food and beverage experience with local twists, as well as frictionless experiences that provide faster, more convenient ways to access food and beverage.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

INF Lewin Díaz has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• Agreed to terms on a 2023 Minor League contract with RHP Reed Garrett.

Orioles Chairman and CEO JOHN ANGELOS, alongside Baltimore Mayor BRANDON M. SCOTT, today announced a $5 million commitment to CollegeBound Foundation in support of the next Baltimore renaissance. The CollegeBound Foundation empowers Baltimore City Schools’ students to successfully pursue and complete a college degree or other post-secondary option. As part of the initiative and in addition to the College Completion Program and scholarships, the Orioles will provide paid internships to former Baltimore City students and current College Completion Program scholars.

“We are thrilled to announce our pledge to support the CollegeBound Foundation and its College Completion Program, which is just a catalyst to further support Baltimore City youth, leading to the development and retention of invaluable local talent,” said Angelos. “After being introduced to the program by Mayor Scott, a former CollegeBound Foundation scholar, it quickly became a top priority for myself and the Orioles to get involved and find the most impactful avenue of support. This significant pledge is a testament to the club’s commitment to the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and its youth. We hope our contribution acts as a kickstart, and now challenges other Baltimore City businesses to support the CollegeBound Foundation and its mission.”

By providing paid internships to College Completion Program scholars, the Orioles will expose local students to the vast career opportunities existing within the club and help develop the local talent pipeline, with a goal of ultimately offering those students positions within the organization and retaining talent in our region.

"As someone who has lived his entire life in Baltimore and has been a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles, it warms my heart to see this franchise understand and once again embrace its commitment to serving the people of Baltimore – especially Baltimore’s youth," said Mayor Scott. "Today's announcement shows that the Orioles are committed to making a major investment into the future of Baltimore and playing a very active role in the renaissance that is taking place here."

Since being founded in 2017, the CollegeBound College Completion Program, a multi-year support network dedicated to guiding Baltimore City public school graduates through college by offering academic and personal guidance, has made a significant difference in the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates. The inaugural class, which matriculated in 2017, is on track for a 75 percent graduation rate, and the 2018 scholars are on track for a 78 percent graduation rate, nearly double the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates attending a four-year college.

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms with 14 international free agents on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Vice President and Assistant General Manager of International Operations Johnny DiPuglia made the joint announcement. 

COLOMBIA

PLAYER                POS        B/T         HT          WT         AGE        D.O.B.                  HOMETOWN                       SIGNING SCOUT

Agustin Marcano    C                R/R           6’0”          160           16              6/28/06                    Bogota                                          Miguel Ruiz

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Orioles today announced that they have opened the 2022-23 International Signing Period with 27 contract agreements, tied for the most in club history (2019-20). Highlighting the Orioles’ 2022-23 international signing class are: shortstop LUIS ALMEYDA, the highest-paid international signee in club history, shortstop JOSHUA LIRANZO, infielder JOSÉ MEJÍA, shortstop FÉLIX AMPARO, right-handed pitcher KEELER MORFE, shortstop LUIS GUEVARA, and left-handed pitcher FRANCISCO MORAO. Additionally, six more of the group are six-figure agreements. Of the 27 total agreements, 14 are from the Dominican Republic, 11 are from Venezuela, and one each from Colombia and Cuba. The signing class includes nine pitchers, eight infielders, six catchers, and four outfielders. 

Almeyda, 16, was born and grew up in New Jersey before moving to the Dominican Republic. He is ranked as the No. 17 international prospect by Baseball America and No. 20 by MLB Pipeline. He is a solid, everyday type of player who can impact the game with his combination of power and hit tools. He is short to the ball with a quick and explosive swing, flashing plus power potential. At six feet, two inches tall, Almeyda has the ball skills to play shortstop, but could move to third base as he matures. He is a solid defender with plus arm strength.

Liranzo, 16, is a shortstop from the Dominican Republic who showcases immense power with a loose swing and plus-plus bat speed. His power and hit tools give him the makings to be an everyday player capable of plus offensive production. In the field, he shows loose defensive action with good footwork and a plus arm. 

Mejía, 17, a native of the Dominican Republic, profiles as an offensive second baseman. He is regarded as one of the best hitters in the 2022-23 class. A strong fastball hitter who can see spin, he projects to have a hit tool of 60 with a chance to develop 50 power. Defensively, he is solid in the infield and makes the routine plays. A natural leader with good instincts, Mejía also speaks English, which can make for an easier transition to playing in the United States.

Amparo, 16, is a shortstop from the Dominican Republic with a chance to be a plus hitter in the future. Standing five feet, 10 inches tall and weighing in at 145 pounds, he showcases surprising pop for his frame and is an excellent fastball hitter. On the dirt, he has good feet and soft hands with superb body control and a plus arm. A plus runner, his combination of offense and speed will see him stick at shortstop. 

Less than one year ago, Victor Robles and the Nationals were unable to come to terms on a salary figure for the 2022 season, so the two sides filed for arbitration. This was after the lockout-delayed spring training had begun, creating a very narrow window for negotiations and for a hearing to be scheduled.

The disparity between the two sides’ official arbitration filings ($500,000) wasn’t nothing. Robles was seeking $2.1 million, while the Nats countered at $1.6 million. He was the team’s only arbitration-eligible player who didn’t sign before the deadline.

But as so often is the case in these matters, they did ultimately agree to a deal before ever setting foot in an arbitration hearing. Twelve days later, just as camp was about to wrap up, Robles and the Nationals agreed to a one-year, $1.65 million contract.

That’s right, Robles accepted an amount that was only $50,000 greater than the team’s official arbitration offer.

It was with that prior negotiation in mind that the two sides once again were unable to work out a deal prior to this year’s deadline, which came Friday night. So once again, Robles was the Nationals’ lone arbitration-eligible player who did not come to terms in time and was forced to submit a formal offer to the league.

The Orioles have made the following transactions:

• Agreed to terms with OF Austin Hays, SS Jorge Mateo, CF Cedric Mullins, OF Anthony Santander, and RHP Dillon Tate on one-year contracts for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration.

The Orioles have made the following transactions:

• Agreed to terms with OF Austin Hays, SS Jorge Mateo, CF Cedric Mullins, OF Anthony Santander, and RHP Dillon Tate on one-year contracts for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration.

The Orioles made the following roster move:

• Sent OF Luis De La Cruz to the New York Mets as the player to be named later to complete the C James McCann trade from December 21, 2022.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

• INF/OF Ryan O’Hearn has cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Nationals have acquired RHP Cristian Jimenez from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for RHP AJ Alexy, who was designated for assignment on Jan. 4.

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher DARWINZON HERNANDEZ from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations.

Hernandez, 26, went 0-1 with a 21.60 ERA (16 ER/6.2 IP), 14 hits, 17 total runs, four home runs, two hit batters, eight walks, and nine strikeouts in seven games with the Red Sox last season. He also appeared in 23 games (seven starts) for Triple-A Worcester in 2022. The left-hander is 3-4 with a 5.06 ERA (48 ER/85.1 IP) in 91 career MLB games (one start), all with Boston since 2019, including a 3.17 mark (17 ER/48.1 IP) in 55 combined games from 2020-21. A native of Venezuela, he was originally signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2013.

Additionally, infielder LEWIN DÍAZ has been designated for assignment. The Orioles’ 40-man roster currently has 40 players.

Lewin Díaz is on the move again, with the Orioles again removing a left-handed hitting first baseman from their 40-man roster but also increasing their bullpen depth with the corresponding move.

Left-handed reliever Darwinzon Hernandez was acquired from the Red Sox this afternoon for cash considerations. Díaz was designated for assignment again – his fifth time since the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Hernandez, 26, appeared in 91 games with the Red Sox over parts of four seasons and compiled a 5.06 ERA and 1.734 WHIP in 85 1/3 innings. He’s walked 73 batters but also struck out 133.

The 2021 season was encouraging for Hernandez despite an oblique strain that cost him more than a month, with the Venezuelan native posting a 3.38 ERA in 48 games, but he pitched in only seven last year and allowed 16 earned runs (17 total) with eight walks in 6 2/3 innings. He had a 5.73 ERA  and 1.485 WHIP in 23 games at Triple-A Worcester.

Hernandez was the Red Sox’s No. 4 prospect in 2019 and made his major league debut in May. He was optioned to begin the 2022 season, underwent knee surgery and didn’t rejoin Boston until July. His last appearance was Aug. 10, and the Red Sox designated him for assignment on Friday after signing free-agent infielder Justin Turner.