On January 18, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles made a significant roster move by claiming versatile infielder Tim Anderson off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. This acquisition adds depth and flexibility to the Orioles’ infield, giving the team a seasoned player with both defensive reliability and offensive upside. Anderson, 31, is known for his ability to play multiple positions on the field, making him a valuable asset for a contending team like the Orioles.
Background of the Acquisition
The waiver claim marks a pivotal moment for both Anderson and the Baltimore Orioles as they look ahead to the 2025 MLB season. While Anderson’s tenure with the White Sox has been filled with highs and lows, the Orioles see potential in him to contribute to their lineup in various roles. For the White Sox, the move signals a potential shift in their roster, as they continue to rebuild and reshape their team for the future.
For the Orioles, a team on the rise in the American League, Anderson brings a wealth of experience to an infield already bolstered by a promising young core. His ability to provide both power and consistency at the plate, as well as his defensive adaptability, made him an intriguing option for the Orioles, who have been looking for ways to improve their roster depth as they seek to build on their recent success.
Tim Anderson’s Career Overview
Tim Anderson was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft and made his debut with the team in 2016. Known for his exceptional speed, contact ability, and an ever-improving power stroke, Anderson quickly became one of the faces of the White Sox’s rebuild. In 2019, he won a Silver Slugger award as one of the American League’s premier shortstops, finishing the season with a .335 batting average, 18 home runs, and 56 RBIs. His combination of contact hitting, base-running prowess, and clutch performances earned him a strong reputation.
Over the years, Anderson has been a key player for the White Sox, playing shortstop with a blend of athleticism and aggressiveness. While he was not known for his power early in his career, Anderson’s bat has gained pop in recent seasons, and he has consistently maintained a high batting average, making him an attractive option for teams that value consistent contact hitters at the top of their lineup.
However, Anderson’s career has not been without its challenges. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued his time in Chicago, and there have been periods when his offensive numbers took a dip. Defensively, Anderson is a capable shortstop but has faced criticism for occasional lapses in his fielding and decision-making. Despite these flaws, Anderson has remained an essential part of the White Sox’s lineup, largely due to his dynamic skill set.
Why the Orioles Are Interested
The Orioles’ decision to claim Anderson off waivers reflects their desire to continue improving and adding depth to their roster. As one of the top teams in the AL East, the Orioles understand that versatility is key to a successful roster, and Anderson’s ability to play second base, shortstop, and third base provides the team with several options.
Baltimore’s infield is anchored by young talent, including standout players such as Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. While Henderson has solidified himself as the everyday third baseman, and Rutschman has quickly become one of the best catchers in baseball, the Orioles have been seeking to round out their infield depth, especially in terms of backup options who can step in when needed. Anderson’s ability to play multiple positions allows the team to rotate its players more freely without worrying about losing production when injuries or rest days occur.
Furthermore, Anderson is a veteran presence in the clubhouse who can provide leadership to the team’s younger players. With his experience of playing in high-pressure games and being a key figure for a rebuilding team like the White Sox, Anderson knows what it takes to navigate through the ups and downs of a season. His leadership and experience will be crucial for the Orioles, who are still in the process of developing a championship-caliber team.
Offensively, Anderson could also provide an additional boost to a lineup that already boasts several talented hitters. While the Orioles’ offense has been dynamic in recent seasons, adding a player like Anderson gives them another option at the top or middle of the lineup. Known for his bat-to-ball skills, Anderson has the potential to hit for both average and power, and his speed on the bases could give the Orioles another dimension of offense that they can use to their advantage.
A Look at Anderson’s Strengths
One of Anderson’s biggest strengths is his ability to hit for average. In his career, Anderson has maintained a solid batting average, and in his prime years, he has been among the league leaders in that category. His quick hands and compact swing allow him to make consistent contact, and he has a high baseball IQ that helps him stay patient at the plate. Anderson has the ability to take advantage of opposing pitchers’ mistakes, which makes him an ideal option for teams looking to bolster their lineup with a player who can get on base.
In addition to his hitting, Anderson’s speed remains an asset, especially on the base paths. His agility and quick first step make him a potential threat to steal bases, and he has posted double-digit stolen base totals in multiple seasons. This added speed element could be a key weapon for the Orioles as they look to put pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensively, Anderson has the skills to be an asset in the infield. While he is primarily known for his work at shortstop, his ability to shift to second base or third base as needed gives the Orioles a versatile player who can handle multiple positions without missing a beat. Though his range and consistency have been questioned at times, Anderson has made strides defensively and remains a solid option for teams in need of flexibility.
Potential Impact on the Orioles
Adding Anderson to the roster gives the Orioles increased flexibility in their infield, something that could be especially valuable over the course of a 162-game season. The team now has a reliable option to fill in at multiple positions, which could come in handy during injury stretches or as a way to rest key players without losing too much production.
With Anderson on the team, the Orioles can also afford to experiment with lineup combinations. Whether it’s moving a player to a new position or creating a more balanced lineup against different types of pitchers, Anderson provides manager Brandon Hyde with several tools to work with. His experience playing in different roles will help him adapt to whatever situation the team finds itself in.
Offensively, Anderson can bring another layer to the lineup. His contact skills and ability to generate offense through his batting average and speed can complement the power-heavy approach of other players like Austin Hays and Anthony Santander. If Anderson can rediscover his peak form from earlier in his career, the Orioles could have a potent lineup capable of competing with any team in the AL.
