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Andy Kostka

Andy

Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around — and away from — baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.

The latest from Andy Kostka

Analysis: How spending big on Pete Alonso impacts the futures of Gunnar Henderson and others
The Orioles are remaking their reputation along with their roster this offseason.
Agent Scott Boras, right, appearing alongside Pete Alonso at Friday’s news conference, said his other clients on the team are enthusiastic about the direction of the Orioles.
Pete Alonso arrives in Baltimore, bringing a palpable buzz to Orioles
ā€œThis is a very momentous and historic day for the Orioles franchise,ā€ president of baseball operations Mike Elias said at the news conference to introduce the team’s $155 million first baseman.
Newly signed Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso smiles as he’s introduced during a news conference at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday.
The Pete Alonso signing could prompt a trade. These pitchers are candidates for the Orioles.
Because of the addition of Alonso, Baltimore has a surplus at first base from which to deal.
MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals was a first-time All-Star in 2025.
Orioles reach 5-year deal with slugger Pete Alonso
Alonso hit 38 homers with a .272 average last season for the New York Mets.
Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of the New York Mets' game against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 12.
What does the Pete Alonso signing mean for the Orioles’ roster?
The trickle-down effect on the Orioles roster could be felt in multiple ways, and this signing may only be the first major move in what could have a domino effect.
Players throughout the Orioles’ lineup could receive a boost from the team’s addition of free agent first baseman Pete Alonso.
Longtime friends Craig Albernaz and Blake Butera navigate being first-time managers with shared advice and jokes
ā€œThe best part of Alby is you know where you stand,ā€ Butera said. ā€œSo, anything that I ask him, he’ll shoot me straight.ā€
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz  speaks during a news conference at the MLB winter meetings on Monday.
5 left-handed relievers who could interest the Orioles
Here are five lefty relievers who could help the bullpen, with the main focus on middle relief.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Danny Coulombe (54) delivers a pitch in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards on March 30, 2024. The Baltimore Orioles beat the Angels, 13-4, to clinch a series win.
As the college football coaching carousel spins, Brian Newberry couldn’t be happier at Navy
ā€œIt’s a special place and it’s one of the best jobs in the country, because of the kind of young men we have, because it still is, truly, a developmental program,ā€ Newberry said.
Head coach Brian Newberry led Navy to a win over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl last year. The Midshipmen have a chance at consecutive 10-win seasons.
Orioles land No. 7 overall pick in MLB draft lottery
The Orioles entered with a 9.24% chance to land the first overall pick.
Fans gather to watch the first round of the MLB baseball draft Sunday, July, 13, 2025 in Atlanta.
With Schwarber off the board, Orioles to shift to Pete Alonso while also targeting pitching, sources say
The Orioles were firmly in the mix for designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, a source said, although multiple outlets reported that Schwarber opted to return to Philadelphia on a five-year, $150 million deal.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias takes questions from reporters at the team’s end-of-season press conference on Sept. 29.
Gunnar Henderson to represent Team USA at World Baseball Classic
Henderson joins a stacked group that includes Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Cal Raleigh, Kyle Schwarber and Paul Skenes.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) throws to first base during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 25.
The Orioles seek an impact bat and are ā€˜talking to a whole bunch of hitters’
President of baseball operations Mike Elias said the Orioles have the payroll flexibility to acquire impact players for the lineup and rotation.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias speaks at a press conference in November.
Orioles have completed early business, but as winter meetings begin, how aggressive will they be?
The largest item on Baltimore’s to-do list remains acquiring starting pitching, and the winter meetings may lead to a critical breakthrough as the baseball world descends on Central Florida.
The Orioles are in the running for free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, according to the New York Post.
These 8 right-handed relievers could provide value to the Orioles
The Orioles have begun rebuilding their bullpen, but there is work to be done to stabilize the middle innings — or even add another splash.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Seranthony DomĆ­nguez (56) returns to the dugout in the middle of the 10th inning of a game against the Texas Rangers at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Ryan Helsley is excited to join an Orioles team looking to bounce back in the AL East
ā€œI think we’ll have a good bullpen, and hopefully we’ll keep adding and make our team a little stronger," Helsley said. "We’re in a tough division, so it’s going to be a lot of fun this year with a lot of tight games."
Ryan Helsley delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning on Aug. 22, 2024.
Former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde joins Rays as front office adviser
Hyde saw losing seasons turn into a division title in 2023, for which he earned the American League Manager of the Year award.
Former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde watches the team’s home opener against the Boston Red Sox on March 31.
Orioles agree to deal with late-inning reliever Ryan Helsley
The Orioles are checking a key winter wish list item by agreeing to a deal with right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley, a source confirmed.
New York Mets pitcher Ryan Helsley during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Orioles hire former Padres manager Mike Shildt out of brief retirement to help with player development
Shildt, who also managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 2018-21, retired from his role in San Diego following a second consecutive playoff exit.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt high fives players during pregame introductions prior to Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.
After the Tomoyuki Sugano experience, Orioles are ramping up efforts to sign Japanese players
ā€œLast year was a start, but we have scouts in the front office who are experienced in Asia,ā€ Elias said. ā€œThey make multiple trips a year.ā€
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias speaks at a press conference introducing Craig Albernaz as the new manager.
Orioles broadcaster Geoff Arnold thanks ā€˜amazing fans’ after 6 years of calling games
Arnold has been part of Baltimore’s announcing crew since 2020.
The exterior of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.
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