Short-Stinted Baltimore Orioles' Pitcher Inks Deal With New York Mets

The Baltimore Orioles brought in a two-time All-Star this offseason to potentially help with their rotation amidst injury questions, but he has now signed a deal with a new team to play in 2024.

Mar 11, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Julio Teheran (49) looks on during the first inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Once the Baltimore Orioles traded for Corbin Burnes this offseason, it looked like the front office had just put together one of the best starting rotations in baseball.

Then, concerns arose as both Kyle Bradish and John Means were placed on the injured list to start the year, making the pitching staff look quite different than what it should be when those two return.

To prepare for the worst-case scenario if they missed more time than originally anticipated, the Orioles brought in two-time All-Star Julio Teheran on a minor league deal during the offseason. There was some thought he might make their Opening Day roster, potentially being used in the rotation or out of the bullpen.

Yet, Baltimore decided that was not the direction they were going to take and didn't select his contract. Teheran was able to opt out and hit free agency, giving him the opportunity to sign with another team.

That was the case for the right-hander as Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported he signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets worth $2.5 million with incentives that can bring in an extra $450,000.

Teheran should give the Mets' starting rotation a boost after they are dealing with injuries and poor performances of their own to start the year. Despite not being the starter he once was, the 32-year-old still gives them depth and someone who can pitch at the big league level.

For the Orioles, this should be viewed as a positive.

If there was any concern that Bradish and Means might struggle with their early injuries, then they might have made Teheran part of the Opening Day roster.

Since they were comfortable letting him walk, then Baltimore should expect their rotation to look like it was projected to be on paper very soon.