The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

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

Steve Melewski in the dugout of Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Buoyed by fan support, Orioles writer Steve Melewski departs MASN feeling hopeful
“The outpouring from readers, fans, everywhere I go — it keeps blowing me away. It doesn’t stop,” Melewski said.
Ramón Laureano fits a profile the Orioles have tried to add this offseason: an outfielder who can punish left-handed pitching.
Orioles sign Ramón Laureano, adding yet another outfielder
In 2024, when he spent time with the Cleveland Guardians and Atlanta Braves, Laureano recorded an .869 OPS vs. lefties.
Former Baltimore Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey, left, helps former Orioles player Rich Dauer put on an Orioles Hall of Fame jacket in 2012.
Former Oriole Rich Dauer, member of the 1983 World Series championship team, has died
Orioles general manager Mike Elias takes questions from reporters.
Mike Elias says he’s been ‘aggressive’ this offseason, but there’s still time to do more
“At least until pitchers and catchers [report],” Elias said, “we’re going to be working the offseason like we always do.”
Heston Kjerstad hit .253 with four home runs in 99 major league at-bats last season.
Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad sees the 2025 season as his best chance to break out
With outfielder Anthony Santander removed from the equation, there could be additional opportunities for Kjerstad to play, even with the signing of Tyler O’Neill. And Kjerstad knows it.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) smiles after singling during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sept. 8, 2024.
Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson one of three stars on cover of ‘MLB The Show 25’
Gunnar Henderson will share a cover on “MLB The Show 25” with Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates on this year’s edition of the popular video game series.
Adam Jones is honored at Camden Yards, officially retiring as an Oriole after an 11-year career in Baltimore.
Adam Jones returns to Orioles in new role: ‘It’s been a long time coming’
“Having the opportunity to be around the game that I love, while also learning the operations side of baseball from one of the best general managers is truly an honor,” Jones said.
Dylan Carlson, 26, played 96 games last season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays.
Orioles add Dylan Carlson to outfield mix on 1-year deal
The switch-hitter batted .209 between the teams and showed limited power with a .563 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.
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.

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

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.