For the first time since the end of the 2024 season, Contreras actually passed through waivers unclaimed this time and will accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk where he’ll continue to function as extra rotation depth for the Orioles. Given the overall state of their starting rotation, some extra quality depth is a very good thing to have.

Contreras heads to the waiver wire after failing to land a spot in Baltimore’s season-opening rotation. The 25-year-old righty shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a new opportunity elsewhere.

Contreras is out of options and was waived several times during the offseason, but Baltimore has been impressed with what they’ve seen from the 25-year-old this spring. He has an outside shot of winning a rotation spot, and if not, he could be a multi-inning reliever in the bullpen to begin 2025.

It has been quite the whirlwind off-season for the 25-year-old right-hander. Contreras off of waivers by the Rangers at the end of October, designated for assignment, claimed by the Reds in mid-December, DFA’d again, claimed by the Orioles, DFA’d yet again, claimed by the Yankees on January 23rd and designated once more before landing back with the O’s. Hopefully this one sticks long enough for Contreras to report to spring training.