CURRENT EDITION: baltimore (none)🔄 Loading BlueConic...EDITION HISTORY: No changes tracked
🔵 BlueConic: ___🍪 Cookie: ___ UNKNOWN🔗 Query: ___✏️ Composer: ___

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

Nationals leave Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, channel controlled by Orioles
Washington will join MLB’s production and distribution model, becoming the seventh team to do so.
An employee wears a vest with a MASN logo during a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels in 2024.
Under Armour signs a new deal with its biggest star
After a very short hiatus, Bryce Harper is once again representing the Baltimore-based brand.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies acknowledges the crowd before game two of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Bryce Harper calls himself a ‘free agent’ for apparel after deal with Under Armour lapses
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper said he no longer has an apparel deal with Under Armour after partnering with the company for about 15 years.
Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Orioles’ Birdland Caravan returns with star-studded player lineup, including Pete Alonso
The events begin with a question-and-answer session hosted by play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown that features Alonso and manager Craig Albernaz.
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is introduced during a press conference on Dec. 12.
Orioles reach deals with Gunnar Henderson, 8 others before arbitration filing deadline
Ahead of the filing deadline, Baltimore and shortstop Gunnar Henderson agreed to an $8.5 million contract for 2026, sources told The Banner.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson will earn $8.5 million this season, sources told The Banner.
Orioles co-owner Michael Arougheti says he’s ‘all in’ on Baltimore, plus other takeaways from panel with top team officials
David Rubenstein hosted a panel at The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., to ask the brain trust of the Orioles’ baseball and business operations about the roster, Camden Yards upgrades and more.
Orioles control owner David Rubenstein, who's also chairman of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., hosts a panel with members of the Orioles organization on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The Orioles have checked multiple boxes this winter. Is another large splash possible?
Baltimore remains engaged in the market for the top remaining free agent starters, sources familiar with the Orioles’ approach said.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, right, flanked by principal owner David Rubenstein, gives remarks during a December news conference to introduce first baseman Pete Alonso.
To help the Orioles, Shane Baz hopes to reintroduce a pitch he couldn’t locate in 2025
Shane Baz struck out 176 hitters in 166 1/3 innings for the Rays last season.
With a pain-free back, Zach Eflin feels ready to prove himself with the Orioles once more
Back surgery has brought relief to pitcher Zach Elfin, who recently rejoined the Orioles. And it brings excitement for his future on the mound. He said his first bullpen session post-surgery is Jan. 6 and he hopes to be ready for opening day.
Zach Elfin of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., in May.
Orioles re-sign right-handed starter Zach Eflin
The deal is for one year with a mutual option for the 2027 season.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) delivers a pitch during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Orioles acquire starting pitcher Shane Baz from Rays, sending 4 prospects in return
Baz, 26, is under team control for three more seasons. He returned from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery in 2024 and did well, but he regressed some in 2025.
Former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz pitches against the Boston Red Sox on July 12.
Orioles re-sign Albert Suárez to minor league deal
Baltimore also signed infielder Willy Vasquez to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation, the club said.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Albert Suárez photographed during the 2025 Baltimore Orioles Media Day at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida Wednesday February 19, 2025.
Pete Alonso brings more to the Orioles than home runs — although he brings plenty of those, too
Pete Alonso arrives at the right time, joining a young team that underperformed in 2025. With his presence, the atmosphere around the club is higher than it has been in some time.
National League's Pete Alonso of the New York Mets, hits during the first round of the MLB All Star baseball Home Run Derby, Monday, July 12, 2021, in Denver.
With ‘clutch’ fumble recovery and touchdown catch, Eli Heidenreich caps storied Navy career
“He’s clutch,” head coach Brian Newberry said. “He’s big-time clutch, and he’s been that way his whole career. That’s stuff you can’t coach.”
Navy slotback Eli Heidenreich (22) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Horvath to take the lead over Army in the fourth quarter.
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
“This is a very momentous and historic day for the Orioles franchise,” 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
“The best part of Alby is you know where you stand,” Butera said. “So, anything that I ask him, he’ll shoot me straight.”
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz  speaks during a news conference at the MLB winter meetings on Monday.
Load More Stories
Oh no!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. If the problem persists, please contact customer service at 443-843-0043 or customercare@thebaltimorebanner.com.