Orioles Sign 2-Time All-Star Hurler to Bolster Starting Rotation Depth
The Baltimore Orioles created buzz this offseason with the acquisition of starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. As they prepare for the upcoming season with spring training in progress and Opening Day looming closer, they are focusing on strengthening their pitching rotation by adding Julio Teheran on a minor-league contract.
The initial report of the agreement between Julio Teheran and the Orioles came from Jon Heyman of The New York Post on February 27. Heyman disclosed, “Julio Teheran to Orioles. Minor league deal with MLB spring training invite. 2100K signing bonus and opt-out clause.”
In 2023, Julio Teheran, a two-time All-Star, played for the Milwaukee Brewers. This marked his return to Major League Baseball after last pitching for the Detroit Tigers in 2021. During his time with the Brew Crew, Teheran pitched 71.2 innings, achieving a 3-5 record with a 4.40 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and recording 50 strikeouts.
Teheran is set to replicate his early success from 2023 as he embarks on a new season. Having appeared in 14 games during the year, he began with 11 starts before transitioning to three bullpen outings. The start of his tenure with the Brewers was particularly impressive.
During his first six starts covering 35.1 innings, Teheran showcased a stellar 1.53 ERA with 23 strikeouts, consistently keeping opponents at bay with no more than two runs allowed in any game. However, his performance dipped in the subsequent five starts, leading to a move to the bullpen. In those final 27.1 innings, he struggled with an 8.89 ERA and 21 strikeouts, only managing to limit opponents to fewer than four runs once.
Despite facing challenges towards the end of the season, Teheran staged a remarkable comeback. Known for his reliability as a top starter for the Atlanta Braves over nine MLB seasons, the right-hander had a rocky stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2020, featuring a high 10.05 ERA in 31.1 innings. After a brief appearance with the Tigers in 2021, Teheran played in various leagues including the Independent League, the Mexican League, and the Dominican Winter League.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Baltimore Orioles are grappling with rotation injuries. Notable absentees from the projected Opening Day rotation, as per FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, are Kyle Bradish and John Means. Bradish, who excelled in the 2023 season with a 12-7 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 168 strikeouts, is sidelined due to a UCL sprain, aiming to pitch through the injury. On the other hand, Means will also start the season on the Injured List due to an elbow issue, a setback from missing the previous postseason.
With Teheran’s contract terms suggesting a potential spot on the Orioles’ roster, the team hopes he can secure a place in the majors, although specifics of his opt-out clause remain unspecified. Typically for veteran pitchers like him, the opt-out could fall just before Opening Day or possibly as late as May 1.
