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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.

Latest content by Andy Kostka

Anthony Santander had an .814 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, 44 homers and 102 runs batted in last season. Here’s how the Orioles hope to replace his bat.
How the Orioles can replace Anthony Santander in the aggregate
In relying on Tyler O’Neill and Heston Kjerstad to replace Anthony Santander, the Orioles went with a cheaper path. But it’s not without risk.
Anthony Santander hits the Orioles’ first home run of the season and celebrates with Austin Hays.
Former Oriole Anthony Santander signs with Blue Jays: ‘I’m so thankful for Baltimore’
The contract is for five years and more than $90 million, according to multiple reports.
Navy Athletics play-by-play announcer Pete Medhurst.
Longtime Navy play-by-play announcer Pete Medhurst dies after cancer battle
In a Facebook post, Pete’s wife, Brenda Medhurst, said he died from an aggressive melanoma cancer.
Reliever Jeff Hoffman signed with the Toronto Blue Jays after the Orioles and Atlanta Braves expressed reservations about the results of his physical.
The Orioles revised their offer to reliever Jeff Hoffman. He says it will serve as motivation with Blue Jays.
The pitcher rejected a contract offer from Baltimore after it had been revised because of injury concerns, a source said.
The Orioles on Wednesday signed 22 international prospects, including three ranked in the top 100.
Orioles add 22 players to open international signing period
The Orioles’ top signing, shortstop José Luis Peña, is a 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic who was one of the youngest players eligible.
Shortstop Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman are scheduled to participate in the Birdland Caravan after missing last year’s festivities.
Orioles announce Birdland Caravan events headlined by Rutschman, Henderson
This year, the initial cast of players includes a trio who weren’t part of the festivities in 2024.
Relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge has a 3.44 ERA in 285 1/3 career innings.
Orioles sign reliever Andrew Kittredge to 1-year deal
Kittredge brings ample experience in the American League East, having played for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2017 to 2023.
According to reports, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman agreed to a $5.5 million contract for 2025.
Orioles avoid arbitration with Rutschman, Kremer, Mullins and others
A source said infielder Jorge Mateo did not come to an agreement with the Orioles ahead of Thursday’s deadline, meaning his representation and the club will exchange figures ahead of a possible arbitration hearing.
Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles
Ranking the top 10 Orioles giveaways for 2025, including Hawaiian shirts and bobbleheads
The lines for these giveaways will surely stretch on and on, even before gates open. Here are the ones fans have to have.
As Camden Yards nears a renovation project, there’s an opportunity to give one of baseball’s most beloved ballparks a facelift in other ways.
3 changes we’d make to Camden Yards, inspired by other great stadiums
These are three aspects of different stadiums that could be introduced at Camden Yards.
This picture shows a man, Greg Kostka, sitting next to a black dog holding a frisbee in her mouth.
Andy Kostka: The weight of the last gift my father ever gave me
A Banner reporter reflects on his father’s legacy and decade-long cancer battle.
Catcher Gary Sánchez played seven of his 10 seasons with the New York Yankees. Now, he’s joined the Orioles to back up Adley Rutschman.
Orioles catcher Gary Sánchez is happy to be back in the AL East
“It’s a division where I started my professional career, so I feel like I know the stadiums very well,” Sánchez said. “Yankee Stadium, Oriole Park, even Toronto. I’m very excited.“
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 08:  Starting Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of Japan reacts in the bottom of the second inning during the World Baseball Classic Pool B Game Three between Japan and Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan.  (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)
Orioles add possible rotation piece with signing of veteran Japanese righty Tomoyuki Sugano
The 35-year-old Sugano has spent his entire 12-year career with the Yomiuri Giants of the NPB’s Central League, and he’s the league’s reigning MVP after posting a 1.67 ERA in 156 2/3 innings.
Tyler O'Neill hit 313 against lefties last season with the Boston Red Sox, but just .208 against righties.
Tyler O’Neill hopes joining the Orioles will lead to a more balanced approach at the plate
“I’m really excited to be able to exploit right-center more,” O’Neill said, “and use the whole field.”
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Camden Yards on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The Baltimore Orioles won their first game of the season, 11-3, against the Angels.
Boras on Orioles’ pursuit of Corbin Burnes: It ‘boils down to ownership’
“When you have competitiveness in a market, ownership has to respond to compete with these fellow owners for elite talents,” Boras said.

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