Baltimore Orioles add intriguing arm in Eric Hanhold

The Baltimore Orioles made a relatively minor move that could end up paying off in the future.

Sometimes, what can seemingly appear to be a minor move ends up paying off. Those players plucked off of the scrap heap suddenly become valued members of the organization as something seemingly clicks. Maybe it is the change of scenery, or maybe it is having another team believe in them. For whatever reason, these players become far more than expected.

The Baltimore Orioles hope they have another such player in Eric Hanhold, who they acquired off waivers from the Mets. To make room for Hanhold on the 40 man roster, Ty Blach was designated for assignment.

Hanhold has not exactly performed well in his limited time in the majors. In his 2.1 innings, he had allowed two runs on four hits and a walk, striking out two. He has likewise struggled in AAA, posting a career 5.32 ERA and a 1.655 WHiP in his 67.2 innings at the highest level of the minors.

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Despite those mediocre numbers, the 25 year old righty is still an intriguing arm. Throwing from a three quarters arm slot, his fastball has been clocked in the upper 90s and features a great deal of sink. Hanhold also has an excellent slider, which could eventually develop into a plus offering.

He was also, at least at one point, well regarded by the Mets. He was the player acquired in their trade of Neil Walker, another fastball/slider reliever for a team that stockpiled that exact type of arm. Even though he had been waived, the Mets did keep him on the 40 man roster all year, despite his remaining in the minors.

With the combination of Hanhold’s pure stuff, and the Orioles mediocre bullpen, there is a chance that he can get an extended look at the major league level. These next two weeks could be an audition for Hanhold as the Orioles look ahead to 2020.

Sometimes, all it takes is another chance. The Baltimore Orioles are providing that for Eric Hanhold.