Since the July 30 trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles have tapped into their deep farm system, using young infielders as trade assets and injury replacements. With their depth quickly tested during a tight division race, the Orioles wasted no time in bolstering their roster. On Friday, they signed infielder Jean Segura to a minor league contract.
The two-time All-Star last played in the majors with the Miami Marlins but was traded to and promptly released by the Cleveland Guardians at last summer’s deadline. Since his release, Segura has been without a team and is expected to join Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate.
The Orioles have signed infielder Jean Segura to a minor league contract, the club announced.
Segura, a 12-year veteran and two-time All-Star, last played in the majors in 2023 with the Miami Marlins, posting a .556 OPS in 85 games.
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) August 9, 2024
**Baltimore Orioles Sign All-Star Infielder Jean Segura**
The Orioles signed Segura to enhance their infield depth after Jordan Westburg suffered an injury that could sideline him for most, if not all, of the remainder of the regular season. In Westburg’s absence, Baltimore will rely more on recently promoted infield prospects Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo, especially after trading another top infield prospect to acquire Trevor Rogers.
Segura is coming off a rough season in Miami, where he hit .219/.277/.279 (50 OPS+) with poor defense in 85 games. While he made contact and avoided strikeouts, his overall production was the worst of his career.
Before that, Segura spent four years with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was a league-average offensive contributor (102 OPS+) while playing multiple infield positions. Despite being 34 years old and having a 12-year career, his struggles at 33 could have been an anomaly.
A year away from affiliated baseball might have rejuvenated Segura, potentially giving his career a fresh start. If not, it’s a low-risk move for Baltimore. While the young prospects offer more upside, Segura brings experience in both regular and postseason play.
Where were you when Jean Segura sent the Cardinals into a rebuild pic.twitter.com/hZl5Y6a7Jg
— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) August 27, 2023
The Orioles’ decision to sign Segura, along with recent acquisition J.D. Davis, provides veteran insurance in case the younger players struggle to establish themselves in the majors.
