The Orioles, led by general manager Mike Elias, are actively exploring options to strengthen their bullpen, particularly seeking a late-game reliever. The team is contemplating free agency to fill this role, and recent reports from Jon Heyman indicate that they have expressed interest in notable pitchers such as Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman. While all four pitchers are late-inning specialists, they vary in terms of their free agency standing.
Josh Hader stands out as the premier reliever in this free-agent class, showcasing his excellence with a remarkable 1.28 ERA over 56 1/3 innings in his last season. Despite a slightly lower strikeout percentage than his rookie year, Hader’s 36.8% rate still ranks among the top in the league. Having transitioned to a traditional one-inning role, he served as a closer for the Padres, securing 33 saves in 38 attempts. This marked a significant rebound from his 2022 season, where he posted an uncharacteristic 5.22 ERA. Hader’s impressive track record and recent success position him for a substantial contract, potentially surpassing the record-setting $102 million guarantee secured by Edwin Díaz last offseason.
Committing to such a significant financial deal would represent a departure from the Orioles’ cautious approach under Elias, who has refrained from multi-year free agent agreements during his five-year tenure. Nevertheless, given the team’s promising performance with 101 wins in the previous season, acquiring a player of Hader’s caliber could signify a shift in their strategy. The decision to pursue Hader would not only require a substantial financial commitment but also the forfeiture of their third-highest pick in the upcoming draft due to Hader’s rejection of a qualifying offer from the Padres.
Hader’s potential acquisition becomes even more compelling considering the Orioles’ need to compensate for the loss of Félix Bautista, who is set to miss the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, Hader’s Maryland roots and past connection to the Orioles as a 19th-round pick in 2012 add a sentimental aspect to the potential deal.
In the next tier of free-agent relievers, Jordan Hicks emerges as a strong candidate, possibly the second-best option available. Known for his impressive velocity, averaging around 100 MPH on his sinker, Hicks has consistently generated significant ground-ball numbers. Despite occasional control issues, he is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, posting a 3.29 ERA over 65 2/3 innings between the Cardinals and Blue Jays. Having overcome injury challenges, Hicks, at 27, is the youngest notable free-agent reliever and is poised to secure a multi-year deal with an average annual value in the range of $8-10 million.
Meanwhile, veterans Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman present shorter-term options due to their age (36). Both have experienced some inconsistency in recent seasons but delivered solid performances in 2023. Chapman, with a 3.09 ERA and an impressive 41.4% strikeout percentage, split his time between the Royals and Rangers. Kimbrel, pitching for the Phillies, posted a 3.26 ERA while striking out over a third of his opponents during the regular season, though he faced challenges in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Orioles are navigating the free-agent market with the aim of fortifying their bullpen, and their potential pursuit of Hader signifies a potential shift in their approach to building a competitive team.
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