In a surprising but exciting move, the Baltimore Orioles have bolstered their outfield depth by agreeing to a one-year contract with outfielder Ramón Laureano, a deal that will pay him $4 million for the 2025 season. The contract also includes a club option for the 2026 season worth $6.5 million, giving the team flexibility moving forward.   

This addition comes as Orioles general manager Mike Elias continues to tweak and strengthen the roster as the final days before Spring Training approach, signaling the club’s commitment to building on their impressive 2024 season. While the focus seemed to be on improving the pitching staff, the acquisition of Laureano brings even more versatility to an already dynamic position-player group.

Are the Baltimore orioles preparing to bring an ace? 

Orioles insider Jon Leiberman on Orioles Digest breaks down whom the Orioles might sign next. He asks the audience, “Is this a play to use Heston Kjerstad in a trade to get an ace? Pretend that it is friends, who do you want? Do you want Jack Flaherty? Do you want Luis castillo? Do you want Michael King and Jason Adams?”

Leiberman also says that the fact that we are getting close to Spring Training does not necessarily mean anything. The podcaster used the example of Corbin Burnes who was signed at the very end.  

So the Orioles signed Laureano and in exchange they released Luis Vasquez. Vasquez was just picked up a few days ago from the Chicago Cubs. Now that Laureano is here on the team and Vasquez is gone, the question is: are the Orioles loading up so that they can part with some players and get an ace on the staff? The Orioles have been making moves this offseason and Laureano is just the latest one.  

How will Laureano fit into the Orioles’ outfield rotation? 

Ramón Laureano’s unexpected signing with the Orioles caught many by surprise, especially given that his name had not surfaced in trade rumors connecting him to Baltimore. With the outfield seemingly set, featuring Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, and Heston Kjerstad, the addition of another outfielder raised eyebrows. The Orioles had already made several depth moves earlier in the offseason, bringing in players like Daz Cameron, Jordyn Adams, and Dylan Carlson, so the decision to add Laureano—especially with a $4 million guaranteed contract—suggests the team views him as more than just another depth piece.  

This move essentially locks him into the roster, signaling that the Orioles have plans for the 29-year-old outfielder in their 2025 lineup. Given the crowded outfield mix, the addition of Laureano could be a precursor to a trade, particularly with Heston Kjerstad’s name circulating as a potential trade candidate all winter.Cedric Mullins, who drew interest at the trade deadline last season, could also be in play. The Orioles have a deep roster and, with Mike Elias at the helm, have shown a knack for making bold, unexpected moves that reshape their lineup in ways few anticipate. 

As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Laureano fits into the Orioles’ outfield rotation. His glove has always been a standout, but questions about his bat have followed him throughout his career. For Baltimore, it’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition, with the flexibility of the club option for 2026 ensuring the team can adjust if needed. If Laureano can find consistency at the plate, he could provide the Orioles with a valuable spark. If not, the move could lead to another reshaping of the roster—perhaps making room for other players in a trade.