Josh Lester
30-Year-Old
Free Agent AAA
2025 Stats
AVG
.000
HR
0
RBI
0
R
0
SB
0
Rest-of-Season Projections
Joins Kansas City on MiLB deal
Lester agreed to a minor-league contract with the Royals on Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Lester's contract presumably includes an invitation to big-league spring training, though the 29-year-old is likely a long shot to make the Opening Day roster and is expected to begin the campaign at Triple-A Omaha. The first baseman appeared in 11 games in the majors for the Orioles in 2023 but otherwise spent the bulk of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .257/.307/.475 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI over 469 plate appearances.
Lester's contract presumably includes an invitation to big-league spring training, though the 29-year-old is likely a long shot to make the Opening Day roster and is expected to begin the campaign at Triple-A Omaha. The first baseman appeared in 11 games in the majors for the Orioles in 2023 but otherwise spent the bulk of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, slashing .257/.307/.475 with 23 home runs and 87 RBI over 469 plate appearances.
Batting Stats
Loading Batting Stats...
2023
2022
Minor League Game Log
Calculate Stats Over Time
Just click on any two dates.
Loading Minor League Batting Game Log...
Left/Right Batting Splits
Since 2023
-100%
OPS vs RHP
2025
No Stats
| OPS | PA | HR | RBI | AVG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2023vs Left | .000 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| Since 2023vs Right | .438 | 21 | 0 | 4 | .200 |
| 2025vs Left | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025vs Right | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024vs Left | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024vs Right | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023vs Left | .000 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| 2023vs Right | .438 | 21 | 0 | 4 | .200 |
Home/Away Batting Splits
Since 2023
+77%
OPS at Home
2025
No Stats
| OPS | PA | HR | RBI | AVG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2023Home | .500 | 12 | 0 | 2 | .250 |
| Since 2023Away | .282 | 11 | 0 | 2 | .100 |
| 2025Home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025Away | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024Home | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024Away | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023Home | .500 | 12 | 0 | 2 | .250 |
| 2023Away | .282 | 11 | 0 | 2 | .100 |
Minor League Left/Right Batting Splits (AAA)
Since 2023
+10%
OPS vs RHP
2025
No Stats
| OPS | PA | HR | RBI | AVG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2023vs Left | .718 | 130 | 4 | 23 | .254 |
| Since 2023vs Right | .792 | 351 | 19 | 65 | .253 |
| 2025vs Left | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025vs Right | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024vs Left | .400 | 7 | 0 | 1 | .200 |
| 2024vs Right | .000 | 5 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| 2023vs Left | .716 | 123 | 4 | 22 | .256 |
| 2023vs Right | .804 | 346 | 19 | 65 | .257 |
Advanced Batting Stats
Loading Advanced Batting Stats...
Additional Stats
Games By Position
Defensive Stats
Loading Games Played by Position...
Batted Ball Stats
Loading Batted Ball Stats...
Stats Vs Upcoming Pitchers
Want more matchup stats?
Loading Matchup Stats...
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Lester made his MLB debut in 2022 after turning heads for Triple-A Toledo. With the Mud Hens, he recorded 29 home runs and 99 RBI across 145 games. That earned him a promotion in September, and Lester proceeded to go 0-for-5 in two games with the Tigers. The 28-year-old was a 13th-round pick in 2015 and has bounced around the minors the past few seasons. Lester doesn't have a ton of prospect pedigree, but his power production in 2022 could earn him a longer look. The Tigers head into 2023 with top prospect Spencer Torkelson penciled in as the starter at first base, while veteran Miguel Cabrera is primed for one more campaign as a DH. When Cabrera hangs it up, there could be an opportunity for Lester to emerge if he keeps hitting the ball out of the park. He figures to begin the 2023 season at Triple-A again but is an option to fill in if needed.
More Fantasy News
Exits Orioles organization
Lester elected to become a free agent Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Outrighted to Triple-A
Lester cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Designated for assignment
The Orioles designated Lester for assignment Wednesday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Sent down Saturday
Lester was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Selected from Triple-A
The Orioles selected Lester's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.