Left handed reliever Tyler Erwin
Fun fact about Baltimore Orioles prospect Tyler Erwin – he is the great-great-grandnephew of former US President James K. Polk.
Even better for the Orioles, the 23rd round draft pick in the 2016 draft has displayed the potential to become a closer of the future. He had a solid campaign in 2017, posting a 2.68 ERA and a 1.255 WHiP, striking out 39 batters with just nine walks in 47 innings. That command was certainly promising, giving Baltimore hope that they could have a future piece to their bullpen.
Expectations changed after this past season. Pitching for the Fredrick Keys, Erwin may have placed himself into the conversation as the Orioles closer of the future. In 68.1 innings, he posted a stellar 1.58 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP, notching 18 saves. Although his command took a slight step back as he issued 23 walks, he struck out 84 batters.
If Erwin can continue to progress through the system with this sort of command and strikeout ability, it is possible he can be the long term replacement for Zach Britton. He may be a year or two away, depending on how he preforms next season, but he is on the cusp of putting himself into the Orioles future plans.
Tyler Erwin may have an interesting family history, but that will only get one so far. In this case, his strikeout ability and performance in the ninth inning could take him into the future.