Baltimore Orioles 2018 Season Preview

Baltimore Orioles additions and subtractions

Key additions: Andrew Susac, Danny Valencia, Colby Rasmus

Newcomer to watch: Andrew Susac. In theory, the Baltimore Orioles have their catcher of the future with Chance Sisco. Caleb Joseph is a capable backup. So, that would make Susac no more than minor league depth, right?

Well, not necessarily. While Sisco has performed well in Spring Training, and had an excellent performance in his 22 plate appearance trial last year, he took a step back in the minors. It is also possible that the Orioles keep Sisco in the minors at the start of the season, looking to delay his free agency clock by another year.

If that is the case, Susac may finally get a chance to make an impact at the major league level. He had been expected to be a part of the future for the Brewers, but had dealt with injury woes. Susac only played in 17 games at the major league level in the past two years, but showed decent power and a solid batting eye when healthy in the minors. With a strong Spring Training, he may well crack the Opening Day roster.

Biggest losses: Wade Miley, Welington Castillo

Biggest loss: Welington Castillo. Just as Susac could take advantage of a potentially weak catching position in Baltimore, the departure of Castillo leaves a hole in the lineup.

Signed to a one year contract, Castillo wsa theoretically the bridge to Sisco. He certainly out performed expectations, producing a strong .282/.323/.490 batting line with 20 homers in just 365 plate appearances. Castillo was even excellent defensively, saving six runs and throwing out a league leading 49% of would be base stealers.

Yes, the Baltimore Orioles believe that they have their catcher of the future with Chance Sisco. However, they will be hard pressed to replace the production that Welington Castillo brought to the lineup, especially if Sisco begins the 2018 campaign in the minors.