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 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

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

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

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

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

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

News

After a dominant 2025 turnaround, questions linger about whether Trevor Rogers can sustain that level in his contract year.

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

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

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

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

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