Orioles Outright Anthony Bemboom

Just a month after selecting Anthony Bemboom back to the Major League roster, the Orioles have once again outrighted the veteran backstop to Triple-A Norfolk, per MLB Transactions Log. Because he’s already been outrighted in his career, Bemboom had the right to elect free agency as soon as he cleared waivers. However, there is no indication that the catcher did so, and Roch Kubatko of MASN reports that Bemboom is expected to accept the assignment and compete for the backup job in spring training.

Beemboom had recently signed a split-rate contract with the Birds, paying the 32-year-old a varying rate depending on if he’s in the minors next season, reports Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun. During the 2022 season, Bemboom produced in a limited fashion, hitting .115/.207/.212 in 52 at-bats. He fared slightly better in Triple-A, slashing .228/.292/.350 line in 123 at-bats. However, those marks were below his career marks in Triple-A of 247/.340/.392.

Given his 2022 struggles, the Orioles might look to other backups for the budding star Adley Rutschman during the 2023 season. The Birds currently have Cam Gallagher and Mark Kolozsvary on their 40-man roster, however, neither has extensive Major League experience. The 29-year-old Gallagher has taken 420 at-bats over six seasons, hitting a weak .240/.302/.355, while the 27-year-old Kolozsvary has only appeared in ten games (all in the 2022 season), slashing .200/.238/.450.

With the offseason arriving, the Orioles are conducting typical roster maintenance. Removing Bemboom from the 40-man drops their tally to 36. Additionally, the Birds have John Means on the 60-day injured list, and he’ll need to be reinstated at the start of the offseason.