Well, that didn't take long. Just two days after the Philadelphia Phillies "gave up" on Weston Wilson, he found a new home. After the Phillies designated the utility player for assignment on Tuesday, Wilson was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, according to Ari Alexander of 7 News.
In case you missed it earlier this week, DFAing Wilson was the Phillies' corresponding roster move to re-signing J.T. Realmuto. They needed to make a space on the 40-man roster, and Wilson was the odd man out.
It was somewhat surprising that Wilson, 31, got the heave-ho, with the Phillies' need for outfield depth. However, being out of minor league options, he would have had to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training or be designated for assignment at that time anyway.
Wishing Wes nothing but the best 🫶 pic.twitter.com/J3fILm3JTr
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) January 22, 2026
Phillies' gamble with Weston Wilson backfires as Orioles take advantage of Philly's roster crunch
The Phillies may have thought that they'd be able to sneak Wilson through waivers and outright him to Triple-A. Although there's also a chance he would have elected free agency if it got that far.
But the Orioles are known to be active on the waiver wire. They didn't miss an opportunity to grab the outfielder who has shown flashes of talent in his brief MLB time.
Wilson joins the Orioles' growing outfield depth. Taylor Ward and promising youngsters Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers project to begin the season as Baltimore's starting outfield. He'll also have to battle veteran Tyler O'Neill, Leody Taveras, and former top prospect Heston Kjerstad for a chance to secure some playing time in the majors.
That's of course assuming that Wilson makes it to spring training with Baltimore. There's just as good a chance that they designate him for assignment if something more appealing comes along.
The Phillies signed Wilson as a free agent in November 2022. Previously a 17th-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, Wilson made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2023, appearing in eight games over three separate stints that year. He impressed in his small sample size of 22 plate appearances, slashing .313/.500/.500 with a home run, six walks, and three stolen bases.
He again showed flashes in 2024, appearing in 41 games. In 99 plate appearances, he slashed .284/.347/.489 with three homers and 10 RBIs. He didn't show that same patience at the plate as in his debut season, walking just eight times and running up a 29.6 percent strikeout rate.
Phillies fans will always remember one special night for Wilson. He hit the 10th cycle in Phillies history on Aug. 16, 2024.
Wilson got another chance last season after suffering a spring training injury and missing the Opening Day roster. He got 125 plate appearances in 55 games, and despite again showing flashes of talent, slashed just .198/.282/.369 with five home runs and 17 RBIs. He again couldn't keep the strikeouts under control, striking out 27.2 percent of the time.
In total, Wilson appeared in 103 games with the Phillies over his three seasons with the organization, slashing .242/.328/.428 in 245 plate appearances with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
We, like all Phillies fans, wish Wilson all the best in Baltimore.