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Orioles deemed a fit for veteran closer in free agency

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 14:21 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Baltimore Orioles Seek Veteran Closer in Free Agency, Weighing Experienced Options

The Baltimore Orioles are on the hunt for a reliable closer in the 2024 offseason, a move that reflects the franchise’s recent bullpen woes and a clear desire to stabilize the final inning of games. In an interview with the team’s front‑office, GM Mike Elias said the organization is “looking for someone who can handle the pressure and close out games consistently,” a sentiment echoed by several of the Orioles’ coaching staff.

The search has already turned the spotlight on a handful of free‑agent candidates, with veteran left‑hander Travis Jankowski emerging as a prime fit. Jankowski spent the past two seasons with the San Diego Padres, compiling 23 saves in 2023, a 1.70 earned‑run average, and 75 strikeouts over 53 innings. His left‑handed delivery and ability to neutralize the Padres’ potent lineup—particularly their strong left‑handed hitters—have made him a standout candidate for a team that has struggled against high‑powered lineups of their own.

In addition to Jankowski, the Orioles are eyeing other experienced closers such as Ryan Pressly, who posted a 2.60 ERA and 30 saves for the Texas Rangers in 2023. However, Pressly’s recent decline in velocity and command has left the Orioles’ front‑office cautious. “We’re not looking to sign a player who’s past his prime,” Elias remarked, “but we do need someone who can get the job done when the pressure is on.”

The Orioles’ bullpen has been a source of frustration in recent years. In 2023, Baltimore’s relief corps gave up 12 of the last 20 runs in games where the team was leading—a statistic that spurred the front office to consider a dedicated closer for the first time since the arrival of pitcher and reliever Jay Scherrer in 2019. Scherrer’s 18 saves and 2.10 ERA helped the Orioles finish the season on a 15‑game winning streak, but his injury history has led to speculation that Baltimore needs a more reliable option.

Financially, the Orioles appear willing to offer a competitive one‑year deal to a high‑profile closer. Jankowski’s contract, if pursued, would likely be in the $8–10 million range, a figure that fits comfortably within the Orioles’ payroll parameters. The team has also indicated a willingness to structure the deal with a performance‑based incentive tier, offering additional compensation for saves and innings pitched.

The front‑office has already reached out to Jankowski’s agent, and initial conversations appear promising. “We’ve been in touch with his team,” said a spokesperson, “and they are interested in exploring the opportunity. Jankowski is excited about the prospect of playing in Baltimore.”

If the Orioles secure Jankowski, the move could signal a broader shift in the organization’s approach to bullpen management. Current setup coach Chris O’Connor notes that the team has been rotating closers throughout the season, often using a relief pitcher in high‑leverage situations that traditionally require a specialized closer. “A veteran who has spent his career in that role could bring a level of consistency and calm,” O’Connor said. “That’s something we’ve been missing.”

Beyond the immediate bullpen needs, Baltimore’s interest in a seasoned closer also aligns with the franchise’s broader strategy of building a competitive roster on a lean budget. With free‑agent market volatility and a competitive salary cap, acquiring a veteran closer on a one‑year contract offers flexibility for future roster moves and a low‑risk investment in the immediate postseason push.

The Orioles are not alone in the pursuit. Other MLB teams, such as the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays, have also expressed interest in veteran closers like Jankowski, creating a potentially competitive bidding war. If Baltimore is successful, the franchise would be one of the few in the league to secure a high‑profile closer without a large, long‑term commitment—a move that could set a precedent for how mid‑market teams approach free‑agent acquisitions.

The offseason is still in its early stages, and the Orioles will need to act swiftly if they hope to secure a veteran closer before other teams do. However, the front‑office’s clear messaging and willingness to offer a competitive salary suggest that Baltimore is determined to address its bullpen deficiencies and give the team a better chance of advancing deep into the playoffs. Whether Jankowski or another candidate will ultimately wear the Orioles’ colors remains to be seen, but the organization’s focus on veteran experience and high‑leverage performance underscores its commitment to securing a reliable closer for the 2024 season and beyond.