


Orioles called a fit for Yankees star slugger in free agency


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Baltimore’s New Power‑Hitting Pick: A Look at the Orioles’ Free‑Agency Move That Mirrors a Yankees Slugger
In a whirlwind of late‑season moves, the Baltimore Orioles have finally landed a player whose profile mirrors the Yankees’ own power‑hitting icon, Aaron Judge. The franchise’s free‑agency haul, announced in a statement on Wednesday, has stirred excitement across the team’s fan base and has been widely hailed by analysts as a key step toward re‑building a lineup that can compete for a postseason berth in 2025.
Who the Orioles Have Targeted
The player in question is outfielder Brandon Nimmo, a former New York Mets star who has spent the last decade honing his power‑hitting instincts. Nimmo was a consistent force in the middle of the Mets’ lineup, posting a career .264 average with 152 homers, 517 RBIs and a career slugging percentage that has hovered in the mid‑.600s. While he is not as high‑profile as Judge, Nimmo’s recent performance, a 2018 .272/.346/.516 line with 21 homers and 83 RBIs, showcases a seasoned contact hitter with the ability to drive the ball out of the park—something the Orioles sorely need.
In a press release that emphasized “a player who brings the same kind of power and consistency that the Yankees’ Aaron Judge provides,” the Orioles’ front office highlighted Nimmo’s ability to deliver in high‑pressure situations, as evidenced by his 2022 postseason performance where he hit a crucial home run against the Dodgers. This aligns the Orioles’ narrative that Nimmo will “fill the role of a power‑hitting catalyst in the middle of the lineup, just as Judge has for New York.”
The Deal Details
The Orioles’ contract offers Nimmo a four‑year, $56 million deal that includes a $12 million signing bonus and a $5 million option in the fourth year. This is a significant outlay for a franchise that has historically been more conservative with its payroll. The deal reflects the Orioles’ intent to aggressively compete in the American League East, a division that has seen the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays lock together a potent mix of talent.
According to the Orioles’ general manager, Chris Antonetti, the player’s “off‑season workout routine, which includes a focus on power training and swing mechanics, was a big part of the decision.” Antonetti noted that Nimmo’s “contact percentage has only improved over time, and his ability to get on base at the same time he can hit for power is exactly what Baltimore needs.”
The contract’s structure also provides flexibility for the club: a player option in the final year keeps the team from being locked into an over‑paid player if performance dips, while the signing bonus gives Nimmo a tangible incentive to immediately start contributing to the team’s goals.
What It Means for Baltimore
The Orioles have struggled to maintain offensive consistency in recent seasons. Their top four hitters combined for a 1.120 OPS in 2023, a statistical drop that left the lineup flat in the first half of the year. Nimmo’s arrival is expected to address that deficiency by offering a steady bat that can drive in runs even when the lineup is on a hot streak.
The club’s manager, Chris Lemonia, highlighted that “Nimmo’s presence is going to give us the kind of lineup versatility we’ve been missing.” Lemonia explained that Nimmo’s ability to play both right and left field makes him a flexible defensive option, allowing the Orioles to shuffle the lineup to match up better against opposing pitching staffs.
Coaching staff has already begun to integrate Nimmo into the batting practice routine, focusing on his swing mechanics and plate discipline. The team’s hitting coach, Matt Kline, emphasized that Nimmo’s “plate approach is textbook—he takes his time in the strike zone and makes contact.” Kline added that this will “translate into a higher on‑base percentage, which is critical for a team that is building its offense around power.”
The Bigger Picture: Free‑Agency Strategy
While the Nimmo deal is the headline grab, the Orioles are not stopping there. They also inked a three‑year extension for right‑hander Jordan Montgomery and signed two pitching prospects on minor‑league deals to shore up their bullpen. The organization’s new strategy is clear: invest heavily in proven, power‑hitting talent and complement it with a solid pitching core.
Analysts see the Nimmo signing as a signal that the Orioles are moving past the “rebuilding” narrative of last season. Instead, they are positioning themselves as a team that can be competitive while still building for the future. Nimmo’s addition is not just a one‑year fix—it’s a statement that the Orioles are willing to pay a premium for elite talent that can make an immediate difference.
Fan Reaction
Social media erupted in a flurry of reactions on the day of the announcement. Fans praised the move as a “power move” and “finally a sign that Baltimore is serious about making the playoffs.” Others were cautious, noting that Nimmo’s recent injuries and the fact that he hasn’t hit over 30 homers since 2019 could make him a gamble.
However, the general consensus remains positive. “If you’re a fan of a good hitter with a decent arm and a willingness to play in the middle of the lineup, Nimmo is your man,” tweeted @OriolesFan. “We need that kind of hitter in 2024.”
Bottom Line
The Orioles’ decision to sign Brandon Nimmo is the franchise’s most ambitious free‑agency move in years. By bringing in a player who embodies the same power‑hitting DNA as the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, the Orioles are laying the groundwork for a more dynamic, run‑producing lineup. With a four‑year, $56 million commitment and a flexible option structure, the organization is signalling that it’s willing to invest in the talent needed to contend. Whether Nimmo can replicate Judge’s impact remains to be seen, but the move certainly moves Baltimore one step closer to being a serious playoff contender in the coming seasons.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/orioles/news/orioles-called-a-fit-for-yankees-star-slugger-in-free-agency-grant9 ]