Orioles taking a chance on struggling southpaw

The Orioles have signed left-hander Tucker Davidson for the 2024 season, the team announced. Since Davidson has yet to reach arbitration, it seems likely the contract is for near the league minimum salary for whatever time he spends in the Majors.

Baltimore claimed Davidson off waivers from the Royals a couple weeks ago. The 27-year-old split this past season between the Angels and Kansas City, working 51 1/3 innings over 38 appearances. He allowed 5.96 earned runs per nine overall. After posting a 6.54 ERA in 18 outings for the Halos, he turned in a 5.03 mark over 20 games with K.C.

Davidson worked out of the bullpen in 2023. He had been a depth starter before this year, opening 11-of-12 appearances with Los Angeles in 2022. He struggled in that capacity as well and owns a 5.98 ERA through 125 career innings. Davidson has far better results in the minor leagues, including a 3.68 ERA in parts of three Triple-A campaigns.

He isn’t slated to reach arbitration until the end of next season. Davidson is out of minor league options, meaning the O’s have to keep him on the MLB club or run him through waivers.