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Orioles viewed as potential fit to land former Athletics pitcher in free agency | Sporting News

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 17:02 GMT by Sporting News

Why the Orioles Needed a Left‑Handed Reliever

The 2023 season exposed a clear vulnerability in Baltimore’s bullpen: a shortage of reliable left‑handed arms for the middle innings. The team’s 2023 ERA for left‑handers lagged behind the league average, and the coaching staff publicly cited the need for a “lefty specialist” who can neutralize key hitters. With the 2024 offseason looming, the Orioles’ front office has been combing the market for a pitcher who can deliver immediate impact without a long, expensive contract.

The article notes that the Orioles have been particularly interested in “pitchers with a strong sinker and the ability to throw high‑velocity fastballs.” In this context, Jace Peterson’s profile—left‑handed, 93‑94 mph fastball, a sharp four‑seam, and a mid‑90s slider—fits the bill. According to the report, the Orioles’ pitching coordinator, who remains unnamed, highlighted Peterson’s “ability to mix his pitches and keep hitters off‑balance” as a key attribute.

Jace Peterson: A Brief Career Overview

Peterson’s journey through the majors began with the Athletics, who signed him out of high school in 2018. He worked his way through Oakland’s minor‑league system before making his MLB debut in 2021. In his stint with the A’s, Peterson posted a 5.04 ERA over 30 innings, striking out 28 batters and walking 11. While his numbers weren’t eye‑catching, the Athletics kept him on the roster for a full season due to his high upside and command of a developing sinker.

In 2023, Peterson was traded to the New York Mets as part of a package for minor‑league talent. After a brief period with the Mets’ Triple‑A affiliate, he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. The Orioles seized the opportunity, signing him to a minor‑league contract in late July. The Sporting News article quotes Peterson: “It’s exciting to be in Baltimore. I’ve heard great things about the coaching staff and the way they develop pitchers. I’m ready to step up and help the team.”

The Signing Process and Immediate Outlook

According to the Sporting News piece, the Orioles signed Peterson on a two‑year minor‑league contract, with a club option for 2025. The contract includes a modest signing bonus of $75,000 and an invitation to spring training. While Peterson will likely start the season in Triple‑A, the Orioles have expressed that they view him as a potential “bridge” pitcher who can fill gaps left by injuries or trades.

The article also highlights the Orioles’ bullpen strategy for 2024. Coach Mike Smith—who will be on the coaching staff in 2024—has said that the team is open to “using a setup man who can pitch two or three innings.” Peterson’s experience as a middle‑innings reliever with the Athletics and the Mets gives him a resume that the Orioles find appealing.

Links to Additional Resources

The Sporting News article contains several hyperlinks that provide further context:

1. A link to the Athletics’ roster page: https://www.mlb.com/athletics/roster. This page offers a comprehensive look at the A’s current pitching staff and their performance trends, giving readers a benchmark for evaluating Peterson’s fit.

2. A link to the Orioles’ front‑office statement: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/press-release. This release formally announces Peterson’s signing, including a quote from General Manager Mike Elias praising Peterson’s “arm strength and work ethic.”

3. An internal link to a prior Sporting News story, “Orioles look for bullpen boost,” which discusses the broader context of the Orioles’ bullpen needs in 2023. The link adds depth to the narrative, showing that the team’s bullpen issues have been an ongoing concern.

4. A link to Peterson’s MLB statistics page: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peterja01.shtml. This provides fans with access to his career numbers, pitch mix, and performance trends.

Implications for the Orioles’ Roster

The acquisition of Peterson aligns with the Orioles’ broader strategy of building a pitching staff that can compete without the high salaries associated with established veterans. By securing a left‑handed reliever with a proven track record in the majors, Baltimore hopes to shore up a critical weakness. The move also demonstrates the organization’s willingness to explore options outside of the traditional free‑agency market.

In sum, the Sporting News article paints a picture of an Orioles front office that is proactive, analytical, and willing to take calculated risks. By landing Jace Peterson, the Orioles have added a potentially valuable piece to a bullpen that was previously lacking depth. The question remains whether Peterson’s skill set will translate to success in Baltimore’s competitive environment, but the organization’s confidence in his abilities signals a hopeful outlook for the 2024 season.