The Baltimore Orioles are adding yet another warm body to their collection of infielders.
In an odd move to say the least, the O’s are bringing in Kolten Wong on a minor league deal.
“The Orioles have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with INF Kolten Wong, who will join the club in big-league camp,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand tweeted.
The Orioles have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with INF Kolten Wong, who will join the club in big-league camp.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 28, 2024
The Orioles have Gunnar Henderson, Ramon Urias, Jordan Westburg, Ryan O’Hearn, Jorge Mateo, Nick Maton, Diego Castillo, Tyler Nevin, and uber-prospect Jackson Holliday available in the infield.
Just in case they forgot, only four people can play there at the same time.
All kidding aside, it’s hard to see the fit.
Wong is a quality defender who has been inconsistent with the bat throughout his career.
He started last year with the Seattle Mariners but was dismissed in August after a .493 OPS.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers, however, he had a .853 OPS in 20 games, even making the NL Division Series roster.
There will likely be a lot of moves in Baltimore before the start of the season, with Urias and Mateo as candidates to leave via trade.
In any case, performance will likely dictate who stays and who goes, but Henderson will undoubtedly play.
The rest of the infield and the bench will be shaped in camp, and Wong is being given a chance to show he still has a lot to contribute to an MLB team.
When he is at his best, he definitely can with his combination of speed, quality defense, and average offense.
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