Baltimore

Orioles

Romo has some prospect pedigree, but hasn’t hit nearly enough to suggest he’s more than a backup backstop at the highest level. The 24-year-old will likely compete for that job this spring in the Grapefruit League.

For the second time this offseason, Robertson will head to a new team. The Pirates claimed him off of waivers from the White Sox in October, but he was designated for assignment earlier in the week when the Pirates needed to free a spot on their 40-man roster. The 27-year-old outfielder slashed just .129/.173/.143 with a 27/2 K/BB ratio over 75 plate appearances with the Blue Jays and White Sox in 2025. He’ll add outfield depth for the O’s.

Feinsand specifically notes those three clubs as the biggest threats to sign the 30-year-old left-hander away from the Phillies. He also mentions the Tigers and Mets as teams that have shown interest. With multiple large market teams in the bidding, it sounds like Suárez should do pretty well for himself here on the open market.

Helsley, whose only season of 100 innings pitched was in the minors in 2017 and who missed most of the second half of 2023 with a forearm strain, decided it wasn’t worth the risk to try starting at age 31. Perhaps he could consider it again if he has a successful 2026 and opts out of his two-year, $28 million deal next winter.

The deal is now official. Helsley, who can opt-out and re-enter the market next winter, takes over as Baltimore’s closer with Félix Bautista expected to miss nearly all of next season recovering from shoulder surgery. The flame-throwing 31-year-old stopper holds a sparkling 2.96 ERA and has converted 105 of 132 save opportunities over 319 2/3 innings since 2019. The move provides a significant boost to his immediate fantasy value as he faces zero competition for saves with the Orioles and boasts a lengthy track record of success in the ninth inning. He’s a borderline top-10 closer for fantasy purposes heading into drafts next spring.

The Athletic’s Katie Woo adds that the deal is for $28 million and includes an opt-out after the 2026 season. Helsley immediately takes over as Baltimore’s closer with Félix Bautista slated to miss most of next season recovering from shoulder surgery. The hard-throwing 31-year-old stopper has compiled a stellar 2.96 ERA and racked up 105 saves across 319 2/3 innings since 2019, and reportedly drew interest from numerous teams as a potential starter this offseason. Instead, he’ll remain in a high-leverage role with the Orioles. The move exponentially increases his short-term fantasy appeal as he faces little competition for saves in Baltimore and could re-enter the market next winter in pursuit of a longer, more lucrative deal. He profiles as a borderline top-10 closer for fantasy purposes heading into drafts next spring.

Magno spent 2025 in the Tigers’ organization, and he pitched well with a 2.31 ERA over 66 1/3 innings while with Double-A Toledo. The left-hander will have a chance to win a spot in the Baltimore bullpen in 2026, but obviously will need to be added to the 40-man roster if deemed worthy.

This will keep Shildt much closer to his home in North Carolina than managing the Padres did. Shildt spent 13 years working in the minors with the Cardinals before joining their major league staff in 2017 and becoming their manager midway through the 2018 season. He was 435-340 in six seasons managing the Cardinals (2018-21) and Padres (2024-25).

Vázquez is sticking around as organizational depth at Triple-A Norfolk after passing through waivers unclaimed earlier this week. The 26-year-old infielder batted .160 (8-for-50) in 32 games for the Orioles last season. He’ll compete for a bench role in spring training.

Suárez is now a free agent. The 36-year-old dealt with both shoulder and elbow issues, and there’s a chance the right-hander may need Tommy John surgery. If healthy there’ll be interest as a multi-inning option, but the medical report will obviously be important. It always is.