In the world of baseball, spring training often serves as a proving ground, and for the Baltimore Orioles, this year is no exception. The bullpen competition is wide open, signaling a shift from simply shaking off the offseason rust to actively searching for reliable arms. The Orioles have brought a slew of non-roster invitees (NRIs) to Sarasota, highlighting the uncertainty in their middle-to-late inning roles.
Relying on NRIs is a bit of a gamble, akin to betting that one or two fringe pitchers will quickly emerge as dependable relievers. It’s a strategy that could either streamline the bullpen or lead to early-season unpredictability. Two pitchers, Enoli Paredes and Josh Walker, stand out as potential game-changers in this scenario.
Paredes offers a glimpse of stability. With legitimate professional experience under his belt, he's not a complete unknown.
Last season, he pitched 57.1 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 4.40 ERA with 72 strikeouts. His ability to miss bats and handle a significant workload provides a solid foundation.
If he can maintain command and keep his pitches sharp, Paredes might quickly secure a spot in the bullpen.
On the other hand, Walker presents a different kind of opportunity. As a left-handed pitcher, his role is even more critical, given the scarcity of effective lefty relievers.
Despite a challenging career ERA of 6.59 over 27 appearances with the Mets and Blue Jays, his potential to create tough matchups is undeniable. The Orioles clearly value having genuine options on the left side, beyond just filling roster spots.
Should either Paredes or Walker step up, the Orioles' bullpen could gain much-needed depth and stability. However, if these gambles don’t pay off, the team might face early-season strain. While spring training won’t completely resolve the bullpen situation, it will certainly indicate whether the Orioles have discovered viable solutions or are simply filling gaps.