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Long (lower leg) and the Orioles agreed Wednesday on a minor-league contract, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Upon being outrighted off the Mariners' 40-man roster in late October, Long elected free agency shortly thereafter, allowing him to explore his options elsewhere for the first time in his career. Though the 26-year-old isn't far removed from being a prospect of some repute who showed some potential during his first taste of the big leagues in 2019, Long's poor track record on the health front coupled with the MLB's ongoing lockout likely were significant factors in him settling for a minor-league deal. Even so, Long picked about the best destination possible for him to resurface in the majors, as he should have a legitimate chance to compete for a utility role with the Orioles, if not a starting job at second or third base. Ryan Mountcastle, Rougned Odor, Ramon Urias and Kelvin Gutierrez will likely head into spring training atop the depth chart at the four infield spots, but only Mountcastle looks like a lock to break camp in an everyday role. Long underwent surgery in mid-October to address a stress fracture in his right leg, so his first order of business will be proving his health this spring.
