The Baltimore Orioles have added more depth to their rotation, signing Dan Strail to a major league deal.
When Dan Straily was let go by the Miami Marlins, it was a surprise. Straily had been a reasonably solid pitcher in Miami, a veteran innings eater that could be valuable on a young pitching staff. If nothing else, he is the type of pitcher that could be moved at the trade deadline as contending teams look to fill out the back of their rotation.
It did not take long for Straily to find a new home, even though the destination is a bit of a surprise. He has signed a one year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, where he will presumably slot right into the rotation.
Dan Straily gets 575K from Orioles + 250K if traded. Major League Deal. Also Straily received 45 days pay on his ML from the Marlins when they released him.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) April 5, 2019
Although he missed time due to injury, Straily had another typically solid year in 2018. He posted a 4.12 ERA and a 1.300 WHiP, striking out 99 batters against 52 walks in 122.1 innings. Straily was victimized by the long ball last year, allowing 20 homers, which could be an issue in the powerful AL East.
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To make this move, the Orioles designated Rule V Draft pick Drew Jackson for assignment. He had only four plate appearances thus far in 2018, with a walk and a strikeout. However, the now 25 year old showed a great deal of potential in AA last season, producing a .251/.356/.447 batting line over 410 plate appearances, hitting 20 doubles and 15 homers. If he clears waivers, Jackson will be offered back to the Dodgers.
With that being the case, Straily represents a bit of a gamble for Baltimore. Chances are, they will look to flip him at the deadline, where he could be a cost effective trade chip. However, that depends on Straily being effective and healthy at the deadline.
If Straily can be the pitcher he has been throughout his career, the Orioles may get back a better prospect than Jackson was. Jackson has placed 25th on the Orioles top 30 prospects heading into the season, a versatile middle infielder with some power and speed. Nonetheless, Straily could bring back a better prospect for the Orioles future.
Dan Straily is a part of the Baltimore Orioles for now. Whether or not that is the case after the trade deadline is likely to be another story.