Orioles Add Pitcher After Trade With Divisional Rival New York Yankees

The Baltimore Orioles make a move with their division rivals that impacts the pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired left-handed pitcher Matt Krook from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. The corresponding move was to designate utilityman Diego Castillo for assignment.

Castillo wasn't with the ballclub long, as he was picked up on waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on Feb. 16. By adding Krook, the pitching depth in the organization grows.

Krook had only appeared in four MLB games with the Yankees, all coming in 2023. He struggled during this stretch, allowing 11 earned runs on eight hits across four innings pitched.

During his time in the minors, he alternated between starting games and coming out of the bullpen. Of his 187 appearances, 95 were as a starter.

However, that changed last year when he was transitioned into a full-time reliever at Triple-A, posting an ERA of 1.32 across 27 games and 34 innings pitched, striking out 55 batters.

The 29-year-old is looking to make an impact in the Orioles organization.

Depending on the injuries to current starters Kyle Bradish and John Means, pitchers Tyler Wells and Cole Irvin could take those spots in the rotation until they return, leaving an opening for Krook.

Baltimore's general manager Mike Elias is good at picking up pitchers that end up making an impact with the team. Cionel Perez, Joey Krehbiel, Yennier Cano, Danny Coulombe, and Jacob Webb are some names who have had success.

It wouldn't be surprising if Krook pitches well with the Orioles.

Their coaching staff is good at finding a weakness and fixing it. Just look at how much of a turnaround Cano made from 2022 to 2023 when he made the All-Star team. 

Elias is one GM who likes to make moves to improve the entire organization, especially depth up and down the pipeline. More times than not, the moves end up working out.

Baltimore is hoping the deal for Krook pays off.