Eric Torres has joined the Baltimore Orioles organization ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
The Baltimore Orioles have continued their busy MLB offseason by signing left-handed relief pitcher Eric Torres to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Norfolk. The move, announced earlier this week via MLB.com’s Jake Rill, reflects the organization’s ongoing effort to strengthen its organizational bullpen depth heading into the 2026 campaign.
Torres was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Kansas State. The 26-year-old reliever features a deceptive delivery and strong strikeout ability, advancing through the Angels’ system before reaching Triple-A Salt Lake in 2024. His time at the highest minor league level was rocky, as he posted a 9.44 ERA across 32 relief outings.
Seeking to reset his professional career, Torres spent the 2025 season in independent ball with the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association. There, he thrived, recording a 1.59 ERA and 16 saves in 39 appearances while striking out 64 batters in fewer than 40 innings.
His resurgence caught the attention of scouts, and he has continued to impress this winter in Puerto Rico, where he has tossed more than 23 scoreless innings in the Winter League.
For Baltimore, the signing is a low-risk, high-upside move. Torres is not guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he will compete in spring training and provide organizational depth.
If his strikeout dominance carries over to affiliated ball and he can limit walks, he could emerge as a useful left-handed option in the bullpen, especially if Baltimore endures more injuries.
The Orioles’ bullpen has been an area of focus this offseason for president of baseball operations Mike Elias. With closer Felix Bautista sidelined for much of 2026 following elbow surgery, the team has already added established arms in MLB free agency such as right-handers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge. Torres joins that mix as a developmental piece who could give new manager Craig Albernaz a big matchup weapon against tough left-handed hitters.
Ultimately, Torres represents the type of under-the-radar signing that can pay dividends for a World Series contender. While he is not a headline addition by any means, his recent success suggests he could provide valuable innings if given the opportunity. For Baltimore, building bullpen depth is critical, and Torres offers another option as the club looks to sustain its rise in the American League and remain competitive deep into October postseason play.