An Underrated Dodgers Reliever Could Be On the Orioles' Radar

The Baltimore Orioles' concerning lack of bullpen depth played a role in them missing out on the playoffs for the second-straight year and wrapping up the season with a below .500 record.

This offseason, president of baseball operations Mike Elias could flip the switch by going after a pretty enticing target in free agency--Alex Vesia. The former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever posted a solid 2.64 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while striking out 74 batters in 58 innings pitched.

Furthermore, the 30-year-old has shown a knack for keeping batters guessing, owning an impressive 33.6% whiff rate and high 31.2% strikeout rate. Vesia's four-seam fastball was his most lethal pitch given that batters only hit .144 against it. His slider and changeup were formidable as well, topping out at 88.9 and 85.4 mph respectively. 

However, the changeup is where hitters have gotten to Vesia at times, slugging .308 against it in instances where he leaves it hanging up and in the zone. Vesia has also had moments where his command struggled, which were reflected by his 13.5% walk rate.

Still, he will be one of the most sought-after relievers for a reason. Not only can he strike guys out, but also remain composed in higher-leverage situations.

With the Dodgers, he consistently made the playoffs and the experience of pitching when the lights are the brightest can be highly valuable to younger teams like the Orioles who have yet to get over the hump.

Vesia won't come cheap though and that is something Elias would have to consider. But for the right price, having Vesia around can complement existing arms in the organization like Grant Wolfram and Rico Garcia.

Wolfram recorded an ERA of 4.30 and struck out 61 batters across 52.1 innings while Garcia compiled a 3.09 ERA, 68 punchouts and 10 saves during his healthiest year yet in which he pitched 75 games.

Additionally, Baltimore will be awaiting the resurgence of Félix Bautista who has been lights out on the mound whenever he's healthy. Given his recent recovery from a shoulder surgery that sidelined him for 14 months, they could use some insurance and that is also where bringing in Vesia may be the right call.

Besides pursuing another bona fide reliever, the Orioles must address their crowded infield and middling lineup outside of 24-year-old standout Coby Mayo and star Pete Alonso who was just named a Silver Slugger finalist.