Baltimore Orioles Sign Journeyman Pitcher to Avoid Arbitration

The Baltimore Orioles get another player back on their roster after agreeing to a contract with a veteran pitcher that avoided arbitration.

There really isn't a whole lot that needs to be changed by the Baltimore Orioles heading into the 2024 season after leading the American League with 101 wins and lifting an AL West banner.

The roster is filled with young, superstar-level talent and there are veterans sprinkled throughout the lineup and pitching unit that gives the clubhouse experience.

Really, the only thing the Orioles needed most was an ace.

As Mike Elias and his front office continue to see if they can get something done on that front before then new season begins, they were able to sign their journeyman pitcher Danny Coulombe to a deal that avoids arbitration.

MLB Trade Rumors reports it's a one-year contract with a club option in 2025, giving themselves another year of control. Baltimore originally wanted to pay the lefty $2.2 million, while Coulombe filed for a $2.4 million salary.

The 33-year-old was a 25th round draft pick in 2012 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his Major League debut a couple years later, before being shipped to the Oakland Athletics.

Coulombe has had an up and down career, spending time bouncing back and forth between the MLB and Triple-A affiliates across the multiple clubs he's been on.

The left-hander was featured heavily by the Orioles last season, appearing in 61 games and 51 1/3 innings, his most outings since 2017 with the Athletics.

He was a good piece for Baltimore out of the bullpen, posting a 2.81 ERA, K/9 ratio of 10.2, and an ERA+ of 148.

With there still being some questions about how the starting rotation and bullpen unit will look this upcoming season, Coulombe could have a major role, just like he did last year, if he continues to produce.

Getting him back for this type of contract with a club option is a great move for the Orioles.