Call to the pen
Fansided

Baltimore Orioles: What’s on their 2022 post-lockout to-do list

By Eric Treuden

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 29: The locked gates before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. The game was closed to the public due to the social unrest in Baltimore. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 29: The locked gates before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. The game was closed to the public due to the social unrest in Baltimore. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 3: Bruce Zimmermann #50 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on October 3, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 3: Bruce Zimmermann #50 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on October 3, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Orioles need to add at least two bullpen arms

The three pitchers in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen with the most MLB experience are Jorge Lopez, Tanner Scott, and Paul Fry. All three of them currently have 3.0 years of Major League service time to their name.

In 2021, the club saw unexpected stellar performances from the expected 2022 closer in Cole Sulser and Rule 5 Draft pick Tyler Wells but aside from them there were a whole lot of high ERAs, FIPs, HR/9, and every other statistic used to measure pitchers’ success. The entire bullpen as a whole was something of an eyesore this past year.

That said, the Orioles could stand to add two low-cost bullpen arms to their relief corps. Fortunately for them, there is no shortage of arms available in the free agent market.

There are a number of veteran arms who would give the team reliable innings that they so desperately need. To name a few, Brad Boxberger, Keone Kela, Alex Claudio, Ian Kennedy, Yusmeiro Petit, and Hunter Strickland could be potential targets for the O’s. There are multiple names in that list that are capable of high-leverage innings, save situations, and even occasional spot starts/opener roles.

Next. Hall of Fame adds six new members. dark

The Orioles are not quite ready for contention yet but they are gradually getting closer and will continue to improve as high-level prospects in their system make their presences known on the big league club.

Starting with these three items on their to-do list would be a good start for this club. The signings of Jordan Lyles and Rougned Odor could prove to be under-the-radar moves the team makes as they look for help up and down the roster.

Home/Baltimore Orioles