Orioles acquire Burdick from Marlins
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles used the day that they could begin moving players to the 60-day injured list by deepening an outfield that wasn’t lacking in players.
Peyton Burdick was acquired from the Marlins this afternoon for cash considerations. The 40-man roster remains full after closer Félix Bautista, recovering from Tommy John surgery, was placed on the 60-day IL.
Burdick, who turns 27 in a few weeks, is a former third-round draft pick in 2019 out of Wright State University who’s batted .200/.281/.368 over parts of two seasons with the Marlins totaling 46 games. He has six doubles, five home runs, 13 RBIs and 53 strikeouts in 139 plate appearances.
Burdick appeared in 14 games last season and went 6-for-33 with two doubles and a homer. He’s a career .235/.353/.457 hitter in 396 minor league games who can play anywhere in the outfield.
The raw power, graded plus-plus by scouts, produced 24 home runs last summer in 114 games with Triple-A Jacksonville.
The club also likes that he bats from the right side, since they have left-handed hitters Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, Kyle Stowers and Sam Hilliard in camp.
An added bonus: Burdick has two minor league options remaining and provides some flexibility in roster moves. He’s likely to begin the season with Triple-A Norfolk barring any injuries.
Nine outfielders are carried on the 40-man roster, and Jorge Mateo is expected to get more reps in center. The camp invite roster includes Daniel Johnson, also a left-handed hitter.
The Marlins designated Burdick for assignment earlier this week after acquiring pitcher Darren McCaughan from the Mariners.
Bautista underwent his surgery in October and won’t be cleared to pitch in any games until 2025, though he’s mentioned a desire to be activated late this season if needed.
The camp roster is up to 61 players.
Burdick’s uniform number is listed as 27.
