Chadwick Tromp Elects Free Agency as Orioles Continue Reshaping Catching Depth
By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog
The Baltimore Orioles continue to reshape their catching depth following the trade deadline, as veteran catcher Chadwick Tromp elected free agency Tuesday after clearing outright waivers instead of accepting an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.
The move officially ends Tromp’s latest stint with the organization after he was designated for assignment following Baltimore’s acquisition of veteran catcher Jake Rogers. Once Tromp cleared waivers, he exercised his right to reject an outright assignment and became a free agent.
For the Orioles, the decision further signals the organization’s commitment to its new-look catching corps after a week of significant roster turnover.
Orioles’ Catching Depth
Following Tromp’s departure, Baltimore’s organizational catching depth currently includes:
- Carlos Narváez – Major League starter
- Samuel Basallo – Injured List
- Sam Huff – Triple-A Norfolk
- Creed Willems – Triple-A Norfolk
- Silas Ardoin – Triple-A Norfolk
- Yahel Pozo – Organizational depth
The group looks dramatically different than it did just a week ago after the Orioles’ deadline moves reshaped the position throughout the organization.
Basallo’s Injury Remains the Biggest Story
While the roster shuffle has drawn attention, the organization’s biggest concern remains Samuel Basallo.
Before landing on the injured list, Basallo had established himself as one of baseball’s premier catching prospects and appeared ready to become a long-term fixture in Baltimore. His combination of power, plate discipline, and offensive upside has made him one of the Orioles’ most important young players.
Until Basallo returns, newly acquired Carlos Narváez is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the blockbuster trade that sent Adley Rutschman to Boston, Narváez now finds himself in the spotlight as Baltimore’s primary catcher during a critical stretch of the season.
Creed Willems Continues His Development
One player Orioles fans continue to watch closely is Creed Willems.
The Orioles selected Willems in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, and he remains one of the organization’s better offensive catching prospects. Known for his raw power and aggressive approach at the plate, Willems has battled injuries this season and continues to work toward regaining consistent playing time in Triple-A Norfolk.
For now, Baltimore appears content allowing Willems to continue developing rather than accelerating his timeline to the major leagues.
Tromp Filled an Important Role
Although his time with Baltimore was brief, Tromp provided valuable veteran depth during a season in which injuries forced the Orioles to rely on experienced organizational catchers.
The 30-year-old has appeared in parts of six Major League seasons with the Giants, Braves, and Orioles, earning a reputation as a dependable defensive catcher capable of stepping into a big-league clubhouse on short notice.
With Narváez taking over the starting role and Rogers adding experienced depth, Tromp no longer fit on Baltimore’s 40-man roster. Electing free agency gives him an opportunity to pursue a clearer path back to the Major Leagues elsewhere.
What’s Next?
The Orioles’ catching situation now largely depends on Basallo’s recovery timeline.
If he returns in the near future, Baltimore could stabilize the position with Narváez and Basallo sharing duties down the stretch. Should his absence linger, the Orioles have experienced depth in Sam Huff while continuing to monitor Willems’ progress at Triple-A Norfolk.
Either way, the organization has clearly entered a new era behind the plate following the trade deadline.
MSB Take
The Orioles’ catching depth chart has undergone one of the most dramatic overhauls in baseball over the past week. Chadwick Tromp served an important purpose by providing reliable veteran depth, but the front office is now focused on roster flexibility and building around Carlos Narváez and Samuel Basallo.
Narváez has an opportunity to establish himself as a long-term contributor, while Basallo’s health remains one of the most important storylines for Baltimore’s postseason hopes. Until the top prospect returns, every inning behind the plate becomes even more important for an Orioles club trying to navigate the stretch run with an entirely new look at catcher.
