The 26 players announced as non-roster invitees to spring training weren’t on a locked list of names. The Orioles had the freedom to expand it, which they did after infielder Luis Vázquez cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Reliever Dylan Coleman announced his signing to a minor league deal on Instagram, the Orioles confirmed it and he’s an invite. Infielder Emmanuel Rivera cleared waivers, was outrighted and also received an invitation. And there could be more.

Here’s the updated list:

Pitchers

Raúl Alcantara
Justin Armbruester
Matt Bowman
Dylan Coleman
Jakob Hernandez
Yaramil Hiraldo
Corbin Martin
Robinson Martinez
Levi Stoudt
Carlos Tavera
Thaddeus Ward
Nathan Webb

I’m dumping more mailbag questions into your laps. I'll handle the next batch.

We’ve pondered whether Zach Eflin or Grayson Rodriguez would be the No. 1 starter as the roster’s currently set, who’s the No. 5 starter, the chances that Jackson Holliday platoons, how much Heston Kjerstad plays, whether the Orioles trade for Luis Castillo, and if the Orioles are done making moves for position players.

Here are a few more. Share your answers with the class.

Does Nick Gordon have any shot at making the team in spring training?

On paper, it seems highly unlikely.

The Orioles closed out the year 2024 by signing super-utility player and former first-round draft pick Nick Gordon to a minor league contract on Tuesday. The month featured three major league deals, bringing a right fielder (Tyler O’Neill), backup catcher (Gary Sánchez) and starting pitcher (Tomoyuki Sugano).

Another starter could arrive in January, though it wasn’t until Feb. 1, 2024 that the Corbin Burnes trade became official. The Orioles could arrange a reunion with right-hander Jack Flaherty, with reported interest on both sides. But it might take a five-year commitment. The Orioles could arrange a reunion with reliever Tanner Scott, since they want to strengthen the bullpen. But it might take a four-year commitment.

I could finally get around to sharing more questions from my mailbag. It dropped like the Times Square ball and the contents spilled out.

You ask, I answer, and we have the latest sequel to the beloved 2008 original. Also, my mailbag rings in the new year and your mailbag rings doorbells selling magazine subscriptions.

Who is Nick Gordon?
Gordon is a left-handed hitter who plays everywhere except first base and catcher. He was the fifth-overall pick by the Twins in 2014. The Marlins outrighted him in August. Gordon will come to camp competing for a bench role but likely would need a trade or injury to clear room. Having him in Triple-A would come in handy.