The Orioles made their first move of the offseason when they signed Craig Kimbrel to serve as their closer, following reports that he would be joining Baltimore. Following the addition of the new pitcher, word leaked out that the old one had found a new home.
Jorge L贸pez, a reliever, has inked a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Mets, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN on Thursday. This move adds depth to the team’s middle relief group as they retool.
Jorge L贸pez, a former Oriole, gets a one-year deal with the New York Mets
After signing with the Orioles in 2020, L贸pez’s major breakthrough came in 2022 when he switched to reliever status. Before being traded to the Minnesota Twins, he recorded a 1.68 ERA, a sub-one WHIP, and 19 saves in 44 games.
They acquired Yennier Cano and Cade Povich in that transaction, giving Baltimore access to one of the top relievers from the previous campaign. After being claimed off waivers, L贸pez later made a comeback to the Orioles in the latter part of 2023. His second tenure in Baltimore didn’t go well; in 12 outings, he recorded a 5.25 ERA, 5.76 FIP, and 1.250 WHIP before being dismissed and DFA’d.
The third team L贸pez was a member of in 2023 was the Orioles.