Maverick

Handley

The 28-year-old backstop was claimed off of waivers from the Orioles back in May. He wound up playing in just five games at Triple-A Gwinnett, hitting .313 (5-for-16) with a pair of RBI. There’s always a need for catching depth around the league, so Handley shouldn’t be out of work for long.

Handley hit the waiver wire after they designated him for assignment. He’ll be a depth piece for Atlanta for the remainder of 2026.

Handley was optioned to Triple-A on Monday and is now designated for assignment, so Baltimore could add relievers to their 40-man roster. He will likely clear waivers and could sign back with the Orioles.

Handley returns to the minors to clear a roster spot for Jackson Holliday to return to Baltimore’s roster. The 28-year-old backstop got into one game for the Orioles during his latest stint with the club.

With Dylan Beavers (oblique) landing on the injured list, the Orioles will call up Handley to serve as the backup catcher, meaning Samuel Basallo will remain primarily a designated hitter.

Handley did not appear in a game in his brief major-league stint. It’s Sam Huff’s show behind Samuel Basallo, at least until Adley Rutschman comes off the injured list.

Handley will likely get a start a week while backing up Samuel Basallo. He gets the call after Adley Rutschman was placed on the injured list with ankle inflammation.

Estrada was granted his release to pursue opportunities elsewhere after opting out of his minor league deal with the Orioles. The 30-year-old veteran was limited to just 39 games with the Rockies last year due to injury. There was a chance for him to make the club’s season-opening roster with both Jackson Holliday (wrist) and Jordan Westburg (elbow) getting hurt during spring training.

Handley will be back with the Orioles as Triple-A catching depth. A defensive-minded backstop, he went 3-for-41 in 16 games in the majors last season. He’s a career .222/.341/.337 hitter over 374 games in the minors.

With Adley Rutschman and Gary Sánchez missing time, Handley spent about one-quarter of last season on the Orioles’ roster as a backup catcher and went 3-for-41 with no extra-base hits and 18 strikeouts. He should clear waivers and stick around as depth behind Rutschman and Samuel Basallo.