8-Year Veteran Pitcher Elects Free Agency After Terrific 2022 Season

Right-handed pitcher Jorge Lopez is back on the open market.

He recently entered free agency after clearing waivers following his designation for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2022, Lopez showcased his potential, delivering a standout performance with 23 saves and an impressive 2.54 ERA over 71 innings, splitting his time between Baltimore and the Minnesota Twins.

This strong season even earned him an All-Star appearance.

However, his fortunes took a sharp downturn in 2023, as the 30-year-old right-hander struggled with consistency, posting a significantly higher 5.95 ERA while bouncing between three different teams.

RELEASED: #Orioles RHP Jorge Lopez has elected free agency.

— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) October 5, 2023

Lopez's fluctuating career trajectory highlights both his potential and challenges.

While his 2022 success may pique the interest of other teams, his recent struggles suggest that he may need to prove himself in the minor leagues before earning another shot in the major leagues, potentially during the 2024 season.

Over his eight-year career, the 30-year-old holds a 5.51 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, with 418 strikeouts across 480 innings and 230 appearances.

The upcoming offseason will likely be a critical period for him as he looks to find a path back to the top tier of professional baseball. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports