Orioles claim Roansy Contreras on waivers and DFA Livan Soto

Right-hander Roansy Contreras is on the move again this offseason, with the Orioles being his fifth organization since 2024.

The Orioles claimed Contreras on waivers from the Reds this afternoon. He’s out of minor league options and could report to spring training trying to compete for a bullpen spot.

Contreras, 25, split the past season between the Pirates and Angels and posted a 4.33 ERA and 1.288 WHIP in 37 games, including three starts. He debuted for the Pirates in 2021, his lone appearance producing three scoreless innings in a start, and he’s registered a 4.72 ERA in 90 outings.

The Yankees signed Contreras as a free agent in 2016 and traded him to the Pirates five years later in the Jameson Taillon deal. The Angels selected his contract in May 2024, the Rangers claimed him on waivers Oct. 31 and he landed with the Reds on Dec. 19.

Contreras was designated for assignment this week after the Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Dodgers. He has a 5.47 ERA since the beginning of 2023, a 18.5 percent strikeout percentage and 10.5 percent walk rate.

After his trade to the Pirates, Contreras was chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game. He missed over two months with a right forearm strain.

Pittsburgh designated Contreras for assignment on May 11, 2024 while promoting top prospect Paul Skenes. The Rangers designated him after re-signing Nathan Eovaldi.

The Orioles needed to make room on their 40-man roster and they designated infielder Livan Soto for assignment. Soto was acquired from the Reds at the trade deadline for cash considerations and he appeared in 12 games, going 3-for-10.

A crowded infield left Soto with little chance to make the team in spring training unless there’s an injury.

Also, the Diamondbacks claimed catcher René Pinto on waivers. The Orioles designated him for assignment last Friday while signing starter Charlie Morton.

Pinto was selected on waivers from the Rays on Nov. 4.

The 40-man roster is down to three catchers: Adley Rutschman, Gary Sánchez and Blake Hunt.