Orioles sign Long to minor league deal

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

February 16, 2022, 10:41am

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The Orioles made their first transaction of 2022 that didn't involve the international market, with an industry source confirming that they've signed Shed Long Jr. to a minor league deal.

The lockout prevents moves that impact the 40-man roster.

The Mariners outrighted Long, 26, in October after he batted .198/.258/.360 with four doubles, a triple and four home runs in 34 games, and he elected free agency.

Long underwent surgery in September 2020 to repair a stress fracture in his right shin, and he had a second procedure on the leg in October. He's expected to begin the upcoming season on the injured list or in rehab mode.

Once healthy, Long can compete for a utility role or push for a starting job at second base. The Orioles signed Rougned Odor to a one-year deal before the lockout.

Long also plays third base and the outfield, and he provides a left-handed hitting option. He has some power, with 21 doubles and 12 home runs in 110 games over parts of the last three seasons with Seattle. He's a career .216/.284/.376 hitter in 417 plate appearances.

The Reds selected Long in the 12th round of the 2013 draft out of Jacksonville (Ala.) High School and traded him to the Yankees in January 2019 in the Sonny Gray deal. The Yankees immediately flipped him to the Mariners for minor league outfielder Josh Stowers.

Long has slashed .273/.352/.439 in eight minor league seasons

ESPN.com first reported the signing.