John Sparaco

John Sparaco

Joined: Jul 29, 2025

John Sparaco is a contributing writer for the Mets website On SI. He has previously written for Cold Front Report, Times Union and JKR Baseball, where he profiled some of the top recruits, college players and draft prospects in baseball. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @JohnSparaco

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Members of the Baltimore Orioles take the field before the start of the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Jul 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) celebrates after hitting a single during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) runs around the base after he hit a solo home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: im Klement-Imagn Images

Jul 2, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (39) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

News

Craig Albernaz said there’s a “low” probability Andrew Kittredge will be ready for Opening Day after his latest setback.

Sep 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) is interviewed after hitting a walk off home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

News

Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo left Thursday’s spring game after suffering an injury during a play at the plate.

Jul 25, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Thairo Estrada (39) looks to the crowd before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

News

In the wake of injuries to Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, the Orioles add Thairo Estrada for infield depth.

Sep 18, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Coby Mayo (16) celebrates after hitting a single during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

With Jordan Westburg out until at least May 1, Coby Mayo could open the season as the Orioles’ starting third baseman.

Sep 28, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg (11) throws out New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

News

With Jordan Westburg sidelined through the end of April, the Orioles now have two Opening Day infield spots up for grabs.

Sep 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Coby Mayo (16) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

News

Coby Mayo has been the subject of trade rumors for months, but infield injuries could push him into an important role.

Aug 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

As potential suitors move in other directions, the Orioles appear to be in strong position to land Framber Valdez.

Jun 1, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Jorge Mateo (3) looks on during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

Speedy utilityman Jorge Mateo signed a one-year deal with the Braves, officially closing his chapter with the Orioles.

May 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Baltimore Orioles hat and glove in the dugout during a game against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Orioles landed five of the top-ranked prospects in the 2026 international class, including shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo.

Sep 9, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) stands in the on deck circle during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson revealed in a radio interview that he played much of 2025 with a shoulder impingement.

Sep 14, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Marco Luciano (37) reacts after striking out against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

The Orioles claimed former top 100 prospect Marco Luciano off waivers from the Pirates on Wednesday, adding versatile depth.

Sep 7, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Orioles are reportedly one of two teams most connected to Framber Valdez as they continue their search for rotation help.