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

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

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

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

Sep 19, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) throws during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Sep 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) advances to third during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

The Orioles’ leadoff spot is a mystery under first-year manager Craig Albernaz, but a few obvious candidates stand out.

May 24, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz (11) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

News

Even after trading a haul for Shane Baz, Orioles president Mike Elias says the team isn’t done searching for rotation help.

Jun 1, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley (98) runs to first during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

To make room for Pete Alonso, the Baltimore Orioles designated catcher Maverick Handley for assignment on Thursday.

Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets first base Pete Alonso (20) prepares to bat against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

News

Orioles president Mike Elias said he was hunting a big bat, and he delivered, signing Pete Alonso to a five-year deal.

Aug 23, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

News

Baltimore has joined several big-market teams in checking on Kyle Tucker, one of the top bats still available in free agency.

Oct 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) looks on during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

The Orioles reportedly offered Schwarber the same deal he took with Philadelphia, signaling their willingness to spend big.

Aug 10, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Noda (41) looks on during the ninth inning against the Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

News

The Orioles designated Ryan Noda for assignment, clearing a 40-man roster spot to make room for two new waiver claims.

Aug 17, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Drew Romo (3) during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

News

The Orioles made two waiver claims Friday, including catcher Drew Romo, a former highly ranked Rockies prospect.

Nov 4, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; From left to right: Baltimore Orioles Owner David Rubenstein, Baltimore Orioles Manager Craig Albernaz and President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias address the audience during a press conference at Warehouse Bar. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Orioles are looking to land a “big player” as MLB’s winter meetings approach.

Sep 20, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Cedric Mullins (28) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Former Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins agreed to a one-year deal with the Rays on Wednesday, reuniting with Brandon Hyde.

Sep 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Taylor Ward (3) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Following his trade to Baltimore, Taylor Ward says the Orioles have the pieces to push deep into October in 2026.

Jul 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Alex Jackson rounds the bases during a home run against Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Lexi Thompson-Imagn Images

The Orioles sent catcher Alex Jackson to Minnesota for minor league infielder Payton Eeles ahead of Friday’s tender deadline.