O's close to hiring Sanders as coach (source)

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles had three fresh faces they needed to add to their Major League coaching staff this winter. That number is now two.

The club is close to naming former MLB outfielder and Olympic gold medal recipient Anthony Sanders as part of its big league staff for the 2019 season, MLB.com learned on Thursday. The Orioles have not confirmed the hiring.

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi was first to report the news, citing a source, which another source confirmed. Sanders is expected to handle first-base coaching duties, according to Morosi.

Sanders, 45, appeared in 13 big league games for the Blue Jays and Mariners from 1999-2001 before getting into coaching. He joined the Rockies organization later that decade and spent 11 seasons in their player development department, serving in a variety of roles. He was the manager at Rookie-level Grand Junction from 2013-15, and he held the title of outfield and baserunning coordinator in '18.

Most recently, Sanders was on the USA Baseball coaching staff at the international World Baseball and Softball Championship Premier12 tournament. The United States placed fourth in the tournament, behind Mexico, South Korea and the champion, Japan.

In Baltimore, Sanders replaces Arnie Beyeler, who manned the first-base coaching box for one season. Beyeler was also responsible for outfield positioning in his role, a duty that would appear to fit Sanders’ background. The Orioles have two coaching vacancies remaining, as they must replace departed bullpen coach Josh Wasdin and assistant hitting coach Howie Clark.