Here's the Orioles' 2024 Opening Day roster

Here's the Orioles' 2024 Opening Day roster

March 28th, 2024

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles broke camp on Monday and headed north for Baltimore with most of their 26-man Opening Day roster seemingly set.

Only one bench spot remained, and it went to second baseman/outfielder Tony Kemp, who signed a one-year MLB deal with Baltimore on Tuesday. Kemp took the final spot over Tyler Nevin, who was designated for assignment. Meanwhile, outfielder Ryan McKenna also was DFA'd among the final round of cuts.

Here’s what the Orioles’ roster looks like for their Opening Day matchup vs. the Angels at Camden Yards on Thursday afternoon.

Catcher (2): ,
Rutschman (entering his third MLB season) is the starting catcher, with the veteran McCann serving as the backup.

First base (2): ,
The right-handed-hitting Mountcastle and the lefty-swinging O’Hearn will both get starts at first base and factor into the DH rotation. O’Hearn (who had an .802 OPS in 112 games last year, his first in Baltimore) could also see time in the corner outfield.

• O'Hearn emerging as veteran leader for O's

Second base (1):
Westburg broke into the Majors last year and had a solid 68-game showing. The 25-year-old will get starts at both second and third, and potentially even a few at shortstop, where he got time this spring.

Shortstop (1):
After winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023, the 22-year-old Henderson could be a top AL MVP contender in ‘24. Last year, he split time between shortstop (584 2/3 innings) and third base (594 2/3), but this season, he’ll almost exclusively play short.

Third base (1):
A 2022 Gold Glover at third, Urías will likely get most of his playing time there this season. However, the 29-year-old can fill in at any spot in the infield, including first.

Outfield (4): , , ,
The starting outfield will again consist of Hays, Mullins and Santander from left to right. Cowser (MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 overall prospect) will serve as the fourth outfielder, getting playing time at all three spots and also potentially factoring into the DH rotation.

Cowser won a spot on the Opening Day roster after hitting .304 (14-for-46) with one double, six homers, 13 RBIs and a 1.135 OPS in 18 games this spring.

Utility (2): ,
Mateo’s biggest strength is his speed, but he also slashed .325/.400/.550 with three doubles, two homers and eight RBIs in 16 games this spring. The 28-year-old has mostly played shortstop in recent years, but he’ll move between there, second and the outfield this season.

Kemp's deal with the Orioles for the 2024 season is worth $1 million, according to a source. The 32-year-old is a left-handed hitter who can add depth at second base and also contribute to the outfield mix.

Starting pitchers (5): , , , ,
Kyle Bradish (right UCL sprain) and John Means (left elbow recovery) opened the season on the injured list, which created room for Wells and Irvin. Burnes, Rodriguez and Wells will start the first three games vs. the Angels, then Kremer and Irvin will make their 2024 debuts in the second series against the Royals.

Relief pitchers (8): (closer), , , , , , ,
Cano, Coulombe and Pérez will be the primary setup arms in front of Kimbrel. But Tate (six scoreless innings this spring) and Baumann (5 2/3 scoreless innings) could also pitch in the late innings at times.

The Orioles aren’t carrying a traditional long reliever, but Akin can provide length if needed. The 28-year-old left-hander had a strong spring, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings. It also will help that Baltimore has five off-days between March 29 and April 25.

With starting the season on the paternity list, Vespi grabbed a spot.