Emmanuel Rivera talks about joining Orioles

Last fall, he was playing in the World Series for the Diamondbacks. It capped a 2023 season that began with him playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. It ended chasing a championship.

He went 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs in the World Series versus the Rangers, who won the World Series in five games.

But on Monday, corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera was designated for assignment by the Marlins. The Orioles claimed him two days later and now he is with them waiting for his first chance to play for his new team.

A right-handed hitter, Rivera, 28, played in 96 games with Miami, taking 229 plate appearances and batting .214/.294/.269/.563. He has a career .656 OPS over 313 big league games with Kansas City, Arizona and Miami.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said of his chance with the O’s, with interpreting help from Brandon Quinones. “Thank God, you know, for being able to stay healthy and that I’m now here with this team.

“It’s been a season with highs and lows, which happens to every player. But happy to be here now.”

Drafted in the 19th round by Kansas City in 2015, Rivera first played in the majors in 2021 with the Royals, batting .256 in 29 games. 

Rivera made 51 starts for the Marlins this year at third base and eight at first. In his career, he has made 211 starts at third and 17 at first base. He even pitched in four games for the Marlins this season, allowing four runs over four innings.

Has Rivera talked with manager Brandon Hyde about what his role will be?

“I am just going to continue to do whatever I can as an athlete. Do the small things to get the job done," he said. "I haven’t really been able to talk to anyone from the front office side since I just got here yesterday, but I’m sure that time will come pretty soon."

Hyde had just met Rivera yesterday and talked briefly about his addition then.

"I know he has played third base, played the corners. I know he's a really good defender at third base. Looking forward to get to know him," he said unsure of what role he will have with the Orioles.

As 2024 winds down, Rivera can draw on the great experience he gained in last year's postseason. He played in one game in the National League Wild Card round, two NL Division Series games and five games each in the NL Championship Series and World Series. In the 13 postseason games for Arizona, he went 4-for-17 (.235) with a double, three runs and three RBIs.

“It was very special for me, for the team, for all the guys to have that opportunity and it was something extremely special," he said. "I’m very thankful to have gotten there and yeah, just very thankful for that opportunity."