The Baltimore Orioles have officially outrighted right-handed pitcher Jose Espada to Triple-A Norfolk after he cleared waivers. The move came following the team’s claim of outfielder Michael Siani. Espada, who has less than three years of service time, is unable to elect free agency and will remain with the organization as non-roster depth.
Espada, 29, signed a minor league deal with the Orioles in July 2025 and was added to the 40-man roster in August before being optioned back to the minors. He was recalled three times this season but only made one major league appearance. Over three total big league appearances, including one with the Padres in 2023, Espada has thrown five scoreless innings with a 0.00 ERA. While the stat line is impressive, it is based on a very small sample.
At the Triple-A level, Espada has struggled more consistently. He has pitched 65 innings at that level with a 4.57 ERA, a 27.5% strikeout rate, and a concerning 15.5% walk rate. His pitching arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball and mid-80s slider, with a splitter in the 90s as his third pitch.
Espada's path to the majors has been anything but straightforward. After being non-tendered by the Padres following the 2023 season, he spent the 2024 season in Japan with the Yakult Swallows, posting a 5.00 ERA in 27 innings. He re-signed with San Diego on a minor league deal ahead of the 2025 season but was eventually released before signing with the Orioles.
By sending Espada to Triple-A, the Orioles have cleared a 40-man roster spot for Siani, who provides much-needed outfield depth. While Espada’s control issues remain a concern, the Orioles will give him another chance to prove himself at the highest level of the minors.
Espada will report to Norfolk and begin his quest to regain a major league opportunity. The Orioles will monitor his progress and decide on his future role as the season progresses.
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