We will all remember Ryan O’Hearn’s time with the Baltimore Orioles fondly.
O’Hearn had been acquired from the Royals on January 3 in exchange for the ever popular cash considerations. Just two days later, he was designated for assignment when the Orioles claimed Lewin Diaz on waivers from the Braves.
Baltimore Orioles cycling through backup first basemen
Diaz himself had spent time on the Orioles earlier this offseason. He was initially claimed on waivers after being designated for assignment by the Pirates, only to be traded to the Braves. Once the Braves waived Diaz, the Orioles scooped him right back up.
In O’Hearn’s case, it is likely that he passes through waivers. He is due to receive $1.4 million for the 2023 season and it is unlikely that another team will want to spend that much on him. The Orioles may be able to stash him in Triple-A if needed while seeing if he can impress in spring training.
Diaz is another story. He is an excellent defensive first baseman with impressive power potential. Although he has struggled during his time in the majors, he is just 26 years old and had been a fairly well regarded prospect in the Marlins’ system. There is a chance that he can put everything together, which explains the interest he has generated this offseason.
But, at some point, Diaz needs to know where he is going for spring training. He has to figure out housing and find his way to the facility. Considering that he has been a part of four different organizations since the season ended, one can imagine that he would just want some stability for a few weeks at this point. Maybe that will happen with his second stint with the Orioles.
Lewin Diaz is continuing to cycle through organizations this offseason. His tumultuous offseason now includes a second stint with the Baltimore Orioles.