The Baltimore Orioles have signed former Atlanta Braves All-Star pitcher Julio Teheran to a four-year deal. This move aims to strengthen their pitching rotation, addressing a critical need as they contend for success this season. Teheran, 33, brings veteran experience and a history of solid performances, although his recent outings have been inconsistent.
Teheran was a two-time All-Star during his tenure with the Braves from 2013 to 2019. However, his recent stints have seen mixed results. Earlier in the season, he made one start for the New York Mets, which was not encouraging, allowing four earned runs in just 2.2 innings before opting out of his contract. His brief time with the Chicago Cubs was similarly short-lived, leading to his availability on the open market.
Despite these setbacks, Teheran showcased his capabilities with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023, where he posted a 4.40 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 71.2 innings pitched. The Orioles are betting that Teheran can replicate or improve upon this performance, providing much-needed stability to their rotation.
The Orioles’ pitching staff has been plagued by injuries this season. John Means is out for the remainder of the year following a second Tommy John surgery, and Dean Kremer has been on the injured list with a right triceps strain. These injuries have left a void that Teheran’s signing aims to fill. The Orioles’ rotation, led by ace Corbin Burnes, includes young and relatively unproven pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer, who collectively have limited postseason experience. Teheran’s playoff experience, with four career postseason games, adds a valuable asset to the team.
The Orioles are currently performing well, boasting one of the highest winning percentages in MLB, but the addition of Teheran is seen as a crucial step to solidify their pitching depth and ensure they remain competitive throughout the season. This low-risk, potentially high-reward move could prove pivotal as the Orioles aim to make a deep postseason run.
By adding Teheran, the Orioles are not only addressing an immediate need but also bringing in a seasoned pitcher who can provide mentorship to the younger members of the rotation. This blend of experience and potential makes Teheran’s signing a significant development for Baltimore as they continue to strive for success in the competitive MLB landscape (FanSided).
