Orioles claim Jacob Amaya and DFA Roansy Contreras

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

January 16, 2025, 2:21pm

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The offseason roster churn continued today for the Orioles and pitcher Roansy Contreras.

The club claimed infielder Jacob Amaya on waivers from the White Sox and designated Contreras for assignment. The 40-man roster remains full.

Amaya, 26, was designated for assignment on Jan. 8 to create a spot for Jose Rojas. The White Sox claimed him on waivers from the Astros in August.

The right-handed hitting Amaya was a Dodgers 11-round pick in the 2017 draft out of South Hills High School in California. He appeared in four games with the Marlins in 2023, one with the Astros last year and 23 with Chicago, batting a combined .182/.222/.195. He went 12-for-67 (.179) for the White Sox.

Amaya has experience at second base, shortstop and third base. He could report to spring training and vie for a utility job if he remains in the organization.

He also can improve the depth if infielder Livan Soto doesn’t return. The Orioles designated Soto for assignment on Friday.

Amaya is a career .251/.353/.389 hitter in seven minor league seasons. He’s committed one error in 210 1/3 innings in the majors.

Contreras could be on the move again.

Since beginning the 2024 season with the Pirates, Contreras was traded to the Angels on May 16, claimed on waivers by the Rangers on Oct. 31, claimed by the Reds on Dec. 19 and claimed by the Orioles Jan. 10. Amaya and Contreras are out of minor league options.

The Orioles designated Soto to make room for Contreras.