Considering the fanfare that came with last week’s agreement for former Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández to join the Orioles on a minor league deal, it’s worth noting that such deals have provided value for the team of late.
Forget the minor league deals that ultimately landed Opening Day starter Tommy Milone and fellow left-hander Wade LeBlanc (who is back on another in 2021) in the rotation. The Orioles’ first foray into the mid-30s pitcher pool last winter came in the form of journeyman signing César Valdez, whose impressive return to the big leagues with the Orioles last summer continued into winter ball.