Baltimore Orioles Claim Promising Lefty Reliever from Royals

The Baltimore Orioles have made an addition to their bullpen by claiming a left-hander from the Kansas City Royals.

Kade Kistner | Oct 25, 2023

Baltimore Orioles Claim Promising Lefty Reliever from Royals /

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The Baltimore Orioles are making moves to shore up their bullpen ahead of the 2024 MLB season.

Getting started early, even when free agency and the trade period has yet to officially begin, is never a bad idea.

On Wednesday, the Orioles claimed left-handed relief pitcher Tucker Davidson off of waivers from the Kansas City Royals.

Davidson came up as a pitcher but was unable to stick in the position. Since then, he has transferred to the bullpen where he has found some success.

The lefty threw 51.1 innings in 2023 between the Royals and the Los Angeles Angels and posted a 5.96 ERA and a bloated 1.617 WHIP.

Those are awe-inspiring numbers and he isn't being brought in to close games. However, Davidson doesn't walk a ton of guys and he doesn't give up hard hits. His peripherals look decent and, with the right organization, he could find some success at the Major League level.

Baltimore is taking a chance on him, but it isn't a large one. The Orioles do not have to remove anyone from their roster to accommodate Davidson's addition. This will now give both Baltimore and Davidson a chance to work on issues and get familiar with one another throughout the winter and ahead of MLB Spring Training.

These are the types of moves that have helped the Orioles find success while keeping the payroll low. If a guy like Davidson can pan out, it then allows Baltimore to spend money elsewhere rather than on a left-handed reliever in free agency or through the trade market.

Published Oct 25, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.