Baltimore Orioles Overhaul 40-Man Roster With Four Waiver Claims, Heston Kjerstad Demotion and Eight Major Offseason Moves
By Brian Hradsky Maryland Sports Blog | November 2, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles are making significant changes to their organization as the 2026 season gives way to an important offseason, with four waiver claims and several departures reshaping the club’s 40-man roster. According to a roster announcement shared by the organization, Baltimore has claimed right-handed pitchers Josh White and Chase Hampton, left-handed pitcher Philip Abner and catcher Zach Morgan. The Orioles also removed several familiar players from their major league roster, including former top prospect Heston Kjerstad, outfielder Leody Taveras, catcher Yohel Pozo and right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta.
The transactions represent more than routine offseason housekeeping for an Orioles organization facing important questions about its pitching depth, prospect development and long-term roster construction. Baltimore is attempting to create additional flexibility while identifying younger players who could eventually contribute at the major league level. Although none of the four waiver additions should immediately be considered a guaranteed member of the 2027 Opening Day roster, each gives the organization another option as it evaluates its future.
The most significant development involves Kjerstad, whose removal from the 40-man roster marks another difficult chapter in the career of a player once considered a cornerstone of Baltimore’s rebuilding effort. The former second overall draft pick has struggled to establish himself consistently in the major leagues despite his considerable offensive potential. His outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk raises new questions about whether he will ever fulfill the expectations that accompanied his arrival in the organization.
Orioles Make Four Waiver Claims to Strengthen Organizational Depth
Baltimore’s latest transactions target three pitchers and one catcher, demonstrating the organization’s willingness to search the waiver wire for affordable talent. Waiver claims allow teams to acquire players without surrendering prospects or negotiating trades, although the players generally must occupy spots on the 40-man roster. For an organization attempting to balance immediate competitiveness with future development, these moves provide opportunities to evaluate players who became expendable elsewhere.
The four acquisitions also illustrate how aggressively teams can reshape their rosters immediately following the World Series. Clubs must account for injured players returning to the 40-man roster, pending free agents, contract options and upcoming roster protection decisions. Baltimore is using that period to reassess which players deserve valuable roster spots entering 2027.
Josh White: Former Marlins Prospect Brings Impressive Strikeout Potential
Josh White could become one of the more intriguing acquisitions in Baltimore’s latest series of roster moves. The 25-year-old right-hander was selected by the Miami Marlins in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft after pitching at the University of California, Berkeley. His college career included recognition on the Golden Spikes Award watch list and an opportunity to represent the United States on the collegiate national team.
White enjoyed an outstanding 2025 minor league season, establishing himself as one of the most effective strikeout relievers in Miami’s organization. Across Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville, he finished 10-1 with a 1.86 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 67⅔ innings. His performance earned him Baseball America Triple-A All-Star recognition and demonstrated the type of swing-and-miss ability that major league organizations constantly seek.
White was especially dominant during his time with Pensacola, posting a 1.27 ERA and striking out 50 batters across 28⅓ innings. After his promotion to Jacksonville, he recorded a 2.29 ERA in 39⅓ innings while striking out another 57 hitters. Those numbers suggest that White has the potential to develop into a useful major league reliever if he can consistently command his pitches against more advanced competition.
His initial major league opportunity, however, proved difficult. White debuted for Miami on May 31, 2026, against the New York Mets and surrendered five earned runs in two-thirds of an inning while issuing four walks. That appearance left him with a 67.50 career major league ERA, although such a limited sample offers little meaningful insight into his long-term ability. Miami Marlins
Baltimore’s pitching development staff will likely focus on helping White translate his minor league success into major league effectiveness. His strikeout totals suggest that the raw ingredients are present, but improved command and consistency will determine whether he can contribute to the Orioles’ bullpen. If he returns to the form he displayed in 2025, this waiver claim could eventually become a valuable addition.
Philip Abner: Orioles Add Another Left-Handed Pitching Option
Philip Abner joins Baltimore from the New York Mets organization, giving the Orioles another left-handed pitcher to evaluate entering 2027. The Mets had been clearing space on their 40-man roster, with Abner among several players removed during their offseason transactions. His availability created an opportunity for Baltimore to add a young arm without sacrificing another player through a trade.
Abner did not make a major league appearance for the Mets during the 2026 season, meaning much of his development remains tied to his minor league experience. The Orioles will need to determine whether his repertoire, command and overall effectiveness can translate against major league hitters. For now, his acquisition should be viewed primarily as an organizational depth move rather than an immediate solution to Baltimore’s pitching needs. Yahoo Sports
Left-handed pitching depth is particularly valuable because managers frequently need different options against opposing lineups. A pitcher who can retire left-handed hitters, handle multiple innings or provide dependable middle relief can become an important part of a successful bullpen. Baltimore’s challenge will be identifying the role that best suits Abner while allowing him to continue developing.
The Orioles have also faced uncertainty surrounding several established pitchers entering free agency, increasing the importance of finding affordable alternatives. Abner does not replace a proven major league contributor simply by joining the organization, but he provides another candidate for future competition. Baltimore will have an opportunity to evaluate whether he can earn a larger role during spring training.
Zach Morgan: Catching Depth Becomes a Priority
The Orioles also claimed catcher Zach Morgan from the San Francisco Giants, adding another player at a position that requires considerable organizational depth. Morgan, 26, was selected by San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Fresno State. He spent part of the 2026 season with Triple-A Sacramento and received opportunities on the Giants’ major league roster.
Morgan recorded a .256 batting average, two home runs and 24 RBIs across 133 minor league at-bats in 2026. He also produced a .350 on-base percentage and a .703 OPS, showing an ability to reach base despite limited home run production. Across his minor league career, he has compiled a .236 average, 16 home runs, 119 RBIs and a .682 OPS.
Those numbers do not suggest that Morgan will immediately become a major offensive threat, but catching value extends beyond batting statistics. Receiving, game preparation, pitch calling, blocking and working with developing pitchers all contribute to a catcher’s overall effectiveness. Baltimore will need to evaluate those areas before determining where Morgan fits within its organization. MLB.com
The Orioles already have considerable investment in their catching position, particularly with Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo representing important parts of the franchise’s future. Morgan’s arrival should not automatically be interpreted as a challenge to either player’s standing. Instead, he offers another potential option for Triple-A Norfolk, injury coverage and future roster flexibility.
The organization must also account for the physical demands of catching throughout a 162-game major league schedule. Maintaining multiple capable catchers becomes especially important when injuries, promotions and unexpected roster changes occur. Morgan’s acquisition gives Baltimore additional insurance while it evaluates the long-term structure of its catching depth chart.
Chase Hampton: Former Yankees Pitching Prospect Gets Another Opportunity
Chase Hampton represents another potentially interesting addition to Baltimore’s pitching pipeline. The 25-year-old right-hander originally entered professional baseball when the New York Yankees selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech. His early development generated interest because of his strikeout ability and potential as a starting pitcher.
Hampton’s professional career has encountered significant challenges, including injuries and inconsistent results that have limited his progress. During the 2026 minor league season, he appeared in 17 games, all starts, and finished 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA across 55 innings. He struck out 56 hitters but also recorded a 1.78 WHIP, illustrating the difficulties he experienced preventing opposing hitters from reaching base.
Despite those struggles, Hampton’s overall minor league career still offers reasons for optimism. He has recorded 217 strikeouts in 180⅓ innings, demonstrating the ability to miss bats when his pitches are effective. His career 4.89 ERA and 1.33 WHIP reflect a pitcher who has shown promise but still needs considerable refinement before becoming a dependable major league option.
Hampton has also experienced considerable organizational movement in recent months. The Washington Nationals claimed him from the Yankees in September 2026 before the St. Louis Cardinals claimed him from Washington later that month. Baltimore’s reported acquisition would give him another opportunity to establish himself within a major league organization. MLB.com +1
The Orioles must decide whether Hampton’s future is best served by continuing as a starting pitcher or transitioning into a relief role. His strikeout ability could become useful in shorter appearances, particularly if reduced workloads help him maintain his effectiveness. However, that possibility remains speculative until Baltimore’s coaching staff evaluates his health, mechanics and repertoire.
Heston Kjerstad: Former No. 2 Overall Pick Faces Uncertain Future
The most surprising name in Baltimore’s latest roster announcement is Heston Kjerstad, whose outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk represents a major development for the former highly regarded prospect. The Orioles selected Kjerstad second overall in the 2020 MLB Draft after an outstanding collegiate career at Arkansas. At the time, the organization envisioned him as a powerful left-handed hitter capable of becoming an important part of its future major league lineup.
Kjerstad’s path to the majors was never straightforward, with significant health challenges delaying his professional development. Despite those obstacles, he eventually reached Baltimore in September 2023 and offered glimpses of the offensive ability that made him such an attractive draft selection. His combination of power and left-handed hitting potential gave Orioles fans reason to believe he could become a productive corner outfielder.
Unfortunately, sustained major league success has remained elusive. Kjerstad entered the end of the 2026 season with a career .217 batting average, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .639 OPS across 304 major league at-bats. Those numbers fell considerably short of the offensive production expected from a player drafted second overall.
The 2026 season offered little opportunity for him to reverse that trend. Kjerstad appeared in limited major league action and finished with four hits in 19 at-bats, producing a .211 average and .474 OPS without a home run. A right hamstring injury also disrupted his season, contributing to another year in which he struggled to establish a consistent role. Baltimore Orioles
His minor league production, however, demonstrates why Baltimore continued giving him opportunities. In 79 games with Norfolk during 2026, Kjerstad hit .289 with 11 home runs, 44 RBIs and a .799 OPS. Those numbers show that he can still produce against Triple-A competition, even if his success has not consistently translated to the majors. BaltimoreBaseball.com
The distinction between an outright assignment and a traditional minor league option is important in understanding this transaction. A player who is outrighted has been removed from the 40-man roster after clearing waivers, while an optioned player remains on the 40-man roster. According to the announcement, Kjerstad cleared waivers and was outrighted to Norfolk, allowing Baltimore to retain him in the organization without continuing to occupy a 40-man roster spot.
That development is particularly significant because other major league organizations had an opportunity to claim him but did not. Although Kjerstad still possesses offensive potential, the combination of his injury history, inconsistent major league performance and roster considerations appears to have reduced his immediate appeal. Baltimore can now continue evaluating him in Norfolk without guaranteeing him a major league roster position.
For Kjerstad, the next stage of his career will be critical. He must demonstrate that he can remain healthy, produce consistently and make the adjustments necessary to handle major league pitching. If he can accomplish those goals, a return to Baltimore remains possible, but the organization’s latest decision suggests that his status as a future everyday contributor is no longer assured.
Leody Taveras Elects Free Agency Instead of Returning to Norfolk
Outfielder Leody Taveras is leaving the Orioles organization after clearing waivers and electing free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. His decision allows him to explore opportunities with other major league clubs instead of remaining in Baltimore’s minor league system. The move also creates additional flexibility for the Orioles as they continue evaluating their outfield depth.
Taveras previously established himself as a major league outfielder with the Texas Rangers, contributing to their 2023 World Series championship season. His greatest strengths have generally involved speed, defensive versatility and the ability to cover considerable ground in center field. However, inconsistent offensive production has complicated his efforts to secure a permanent role.
Baltimore’s decision to expose Taveras to waivers indicates that the organization was willing to risk losing him while creating roster flexibility. His election of free agency now removes him from the club’s immediate depth chart. The Orioles must determine whether their existing outfielders can provide sufficient defensive coverage and offensive production entering 2027.
The decision also reflects the difficult balance teams face when constructing a 40-man roster. Players who provide speed and defense can be valuable, but organizations must weigh those contributions against offensive limitations and the availability of younger alternatives. Baltimore evidently determined that maintaining Taveras on its major league roster was no longer a priority.
Yohel Pozo: Orioles Remove Another Catcher From the 40-Man Roster
Catcher Yohel Pozo also cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, according to the team’s announcement. Unlike Taveras, Pozo was listed among the players assigned to Norfolk rather than those electing free agency. His continued presence in the organization could provide important catching depth even though he no longer occupies a 40-man roster spot.
The decision becomes especially interesting when considered alongside Baltimore’s acquisition of Zach Morgan. The Orioles are effectively changing the composition of their catching depth while preserving the ability to evaluate multiple options. Pozo and Morgan could compete for opportunities within the organization, depending on the final structure of the 2027 roster.
Catching depth can change quickly during a season because of injuries and the physical demands of the position. Baltimore’s ability to retain Pozo at Triple-A provides additional insurance while Morgan begins his time with the organization. Neither move necessarily signals an immediate change involving the team’s established major league catchers.
Yosver Zulueta Remains in Organization Following Outright Assignment
Right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta is another player removed from Baltimore’s 40-man roster after clearing waivers. The Orioles outrighted him to Triple-A Norfolk, allowing the organization to retain his services while opening a major league roster spot. His assignment represents another example of Baltimore prioritizing flexibility over guaranteed roster protection.
Zulueta has attracted attention during his professional career because of his arm strength and pitching potential. However, developing into a reliable major league pitcher requires more than velocity alone. Consistent command, effective secondary pitches and the ability to limit walks are essential for pitchers attempting to establish themselves against major league hitters.
Baltimore’s decision to retain Zulueta in Norfolk leaves open the possibility of another opportunity. He can continue working with the organization’s pitching coaches while attempting to improve his consistency. Should injuries or performance issues create openings in the major league bullpen, he could eventually reenter the discussion.
Why the Orioles Are Making So Many Roster Moves
Baltimore’s latest decisions must be understood within the larger context of MLB’s offseason calendar. Teams face several important deadlines immediately after the World Series, including decisions involving contract options, free agents and players returning from the 60-day injured list. Every organization must carefully manage its 40-man roster while preparing for additional transactions.
The Orioles entered November facing several important decisions involving established players. Baltimore had already declined its 2027 team option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and its mutual option on right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin. The organization also faced decisions involving first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and free-agent starting pitcher Trevor Rogers.
Ryan Helsley, meanwhile, exercised his player option for the 2027 season, giving Baltimore another established bullpen option. The club also signed outfielder Rece Hinds to a one-year major league contract for 2027. These decisions demonstrate that the Orioles are simultaneously evaluating short-term roster needs and longer-term commitments. MLB.com +1
The return of injured players creates another complication. Kyle Bradish, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg have all dealt with significant injuries, while Tyler O’Neill also faced shoulder problems during the 2026 season. Baltimore must account for injured players returning to the roster while determining which additional players deserve protection.
These circumstances explain why the Orioles are willing to expose certain players to waivers while claiming others from competing organizations. Each roster spot carries value, particularly during an offseason when teams must balance immediate needs against prospects who could contribute in the future. Baltimore’s front office is attempting to maximize those opportunities before the next season begins.
What the Moves Mean for Baltimore’s 2027 Pitching Staff
Pitching remains one of the most important areas for Baltimore to address before the 2027 season. The acquisitions of White, Abner and Hampton provide additional depth, but the Orioles cannot assume that any of the three will immediately solve their major league pitching concerns. Each arrives with developmental questions that must be answered before earning a dependable role.
White may offer the most immediately intriguing relief potential because of his dominant 2025 minor league performance. Hampton provides starting pitching experience and strikeout ability, although his recent results and injury history create considerable uncertainty. Abner gives Baltimore another left-handed option, adding balance to the organization’s pitching inventory.
The Orioles will also need to determine how their established pitchers fit into next season’s plans. Bradish’s recovery from surgery, Rogers’ free-agent situation and the health of other returning arms could significantly influence Baltimore’s approach. The organization may still need to pursue proven starting pitching and bullpen reinforcements through free agency or trades.
Ultimately, waiver claims should supplement a competitive pitching staff rather than serve as its foundation. Baltimore’s front office has an opportunity to uncover useful contributors through these transactions, but the club must also invest in established talent if it expects to contend. The development of White, Hampton and Abner will become one part of a much larger offseason strategy.
What Happens Next for the Orioles?
The Orioles will continue evaluating their roster as the offseason progresses and free agency develops. Decisions involving veteran players, injured pitchers and organizational depth could produce additional transactions before spring training begins. Baltimore’s latest waiver claims suggest that the front office intends to remain active rather than wait until the major free-agent market takes shape.
The organization must also decide which young players deserve continued opportunities and which roster positions require outside upgrades. Kjerstad’s removal from the 40-man roster demonstrates that past draft status does not guarantee permanent protection. Baltimore appears willing to make difficult decisions involving familiar names while pursuing alternatives that might offer greater future value.
The four incoming players will now have opportunities to demonstrate that their previous organizations made mistakes by exposing them to waivers. White’s strikeout ability, Hampton’s pitching potential, Abner’s left-handed depth and Morgan’s catching experience provide different reasons for optimism. Whether those qualities translate into major league production will depend on development, health and opportunity.
MSB Take: Orioles Are Right to Seek Depth, but Kjerstad’s Situation Raises Bigger Questions
The Orioles deserve credit for aggressively pursuing younger talent through the waiver system, particularly when those acquisitions require no significant financial investment or prospect compensation. White stands out as a potentially worthwhile gamble because of his outstanding minor league strikeout numbers, while Hampton offers another arm with developmental upside. Morgan and Abner also provide useful organizational depth at positions where additional options are valuable.
However, Kjerstad’s removal from the 40-man roster is the development that should attract the most attention from Orioles fans. Baltimore selected him second overall in 2020 with the expectation that he could become an important offensive contributor for years to come. Six years later, the organization has reached a point where it is willing to remove him from its protected major league roster.
Injuries undoubtedly played a role in Kjerstad’s difficult development, and those circumstances should not be ignored when evaluating his career. Nevertheless, Baltimore must examine why a player who demonstrated considerable offensive talent in college and the minor leagues has struggled to translate that success into sustained major league production. The organization cannot afford to repeatedly miss opportunities to develop high draft selections into dependable contributors.
There is also an important distinction between accumulating depth and improving the major league roster. The Orioles can claim talented players throughout the offseason, but those transactions will mean little if the club fails to address its most significant needs. Proven pitching, offensive consistency and a healthy core remain essential to any realistic effort to compete in the American League East.
Baltimore’s latest moves suggest that the organization understands the need for change following another challenging season. The waiver claims are reasonable, low-cost attempts to uncover talent
