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

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

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

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

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

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

News

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

Sep 23, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

News

With Raisel Iglesias off the board, several free-agent closers remain available as the Orioles seek a 2026 solution.

Jul 26, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) throws a second inning pitch against the San Diego Padres at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

News

The Orioles swung a surprising trade Tuesday night, sending Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for slugger Taylor Ward.

Sep 25, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (2) reacts as he runs off the field after a victory against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Orioles need a reliable defender and right-handed bat in center field, and Harrison Bader checks both boxes.

Sep 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo (22) argues with first base umpire Laz Diaz (not pictured) against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Orioles are hiring two new coaches to Craig Albernaz’s staff, including former Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo.

Feb 20, 2024; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers bench coach Donnie Ecker poses for a photo during Media Day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Orioles are hiring Donnie Ecker as bench coach under manager Craig Albernaz, who worked with him in San Francisco.

Jun 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (8) celebrates his single for his first MLB hit in his debut with first base coach Jason Bourgeois (38) during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Former big league outfielder Jason Bourgeois will serve as first base coach under new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz.