The Baltimore Orioles have signed utility player Cooper Hummel, as confirmed by multiple team reporters, including MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko. According to KPRC 2’s Ari Alexander, Hummel will earn $765,000 under his new contract. To make room on the roster, the Orioles have designated Terrin Vavra for assignment.
Hummel became available just a day ago after opting out of his minor league deal with the New York Yankees, who chose to release him rather than promote him to the big leagues. This marks Hummel’s third team in two months — he was designated for assignment by the Astros prior to Opening Day, then joined the Yankees shortly afterward.
Originally drafted by the Brewers in the 18th round in 2016, Hummel has bounced around eight different organizations. His most extensive MLB stint came in 2022 with the Diamondbacks, appearing in 66 games. Since then, he’s had limited time with the Mariners (2023) and Astros (2024), totaling just 235 career plate appearances with a slash line of .159/.255/.275.
Hummel has been more productive in the minors, with a career .266/.403/.443 line over 2,655 plate appearances. A switch-hitter, Hummel has rare versatility that includes experience as a catcher — though he hasn’t played behind the plate since 2023. Lately, he’s been used more at first base and in the corner outfield. Injuries have limited his playing time this year with the Yankees’ Triple-A team.
Because Hummel is out of minor league options, Baltimore must keep him on the active roster or risk losing him on waivers. The same situation applies to Terrin Vavra, making this move a swap of similarly positioned utility players.
Vavra, recently added back to the Orioles’ roster, didn’t appear in a game before being designated. He’s been part of the organization since a 2020 trade, aside from a brief stint with Seattle earlier this season. He played 67 MLB games with Baltimore between 2022–23, hitting .254/.331/.304 in 159 plate appearances. In the minors, Vavra has posted a solid .294/.393/.446 slash line and has played every position on the field.
The Orioles may hope Vavra clears waivers so they can retain him in the system, but because he’s been previously outrighted, he has the right to elect free agency instead.
