Inside The Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Trade for Intriguing Rookie Infielder, DFA Veteran Journeyman

The Baltimore Orioles have added another infielder to the mix in their most recent trade.
Brad Wakai|
Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Luis Vazquez (12) bunts for his first MLB hit during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field
Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Luis Vazquez (12) bunts for his first MLB hit during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

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Chicago Cubs

The Baltimore Orioles made a trade on Jan. 31.

It's not something that's going to completely change the outlook of their season, but it was an interesting deal nonetheless.

In an announcement made by the team on their social media account, they revealed they made a trade with the Chicago Cubs to acquire infielder Luis Vazquez in exchange for cash considerations.

The rookie made his Major League debut this past season, getting into just 11 games during his first taste of The Show, going 1-for-12 with an RBI in his limited experience at the plate since he was mainly used as a defense sub across multiple positions on the dirt.

The Cubs designated Vazquez for assignment when Jon Berti officially signed his contract, giving the Orioles an opportunity to make a deal to acquire him.

Per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Baltimore DFA'd veteran journeyman Emmanuel Rivera to make room on the 40-man roster.

When looking at Vazquez, his MLB numbers don't blow anyone away, but he was a solid hitter at the Triple-A level and is seen as an elite defender, being touted as Chicago's best defensive infield prospect by Baseball America.

Moving on from Rivera is an interesting decision.

There was a real chance he was going to have a role as a utility man this season, especially after he slashed .313/.370/.578 with four homers and 14 RBI across his 27 games and 73 plate appearances when he was claimed off waivers by the Orioles in late-August last year.

However, Rivera is out of options while Vazquez has multiple remaining.

With the organization looking to get Coby Mayo into the mix more this season, carrying a defensive infielder like Vazquez, who they can option without opening him up to waivers, might be the thought process behind this move.

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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