Orioles Decline Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 Million Option

The Baltimore Orioles declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million team option for 2027 on Monday, making the first baseman a free agent for the first time.

MLB.com’s Jake Rill reported the decision as Baltimore reshaped its roster at the start of the offseason. Mountcastle played only eight major league games in 2026 because of a left foot fracture and a left oblique strain.

The 29-year-old did not appear in a game after April 11. He went 4-for-14 with a double and one RBI in his limited playing time.

Baltimore had added Pete Alonso on a five-year contract last offseason, giving the club an everyday first baseman. Mountcastle’s option decision releases him to seek another opportunity rather than carrying a fixed 2027 salary with the Orioles.

Outfielder Heston Kjerstad also left Baltimore’s roster through a different procedure. He cleared waivers, was outrighted and became a minor league free agent. That was not an option decision.

The Orioles also declined left-hander Dietrich Enns’ $3.5 million team option. Outfielder Leody Taveras cleared waivers and elected free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk.