The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Sam Hilliard off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, adding further intrigue to their crowded outfield situation.
Last week, we wrote that there's speculation that the team could look to trade either Anthony Santander or Austin Hays this offseason. Part of that reasoning is that the team has several outfielders on the 40-man roster like those two, Cedric Mullins, Heston Kjerstad, Colton Cowser, Kyle Stowers and Ryan McKenna.
Thus, the claim of Hilliard is an interesting one. Are they looking to jettison multiple outfielders? Otherwise, why do they need another outfielder? The reasoning behind Hilliard's claim will remain to be seen as we go through the offseason.
The 29-year-old Texas native has spent five years in the big leagues with the Rockies and Braves. He spent the first four years of his career with Colorado before ending up in Atlanta for the 2023 season. He played in just 40 games for the Braves, but posted a .236 average with three homers and six RBI. His best year was with the 2021 Rockies, when he hit 14 homers.
The Orioles won 101 games this past season and won the American League East. They had the most wins in the American League but were beaten by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS. There's no telling whether or not Hilliard will be part of the roster in 2024, but if he is, you couldn't have ended up in a much better spot. The O's will be a favorite to get to the World Series in 2024.
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