Rule 5 Draft Speculation and Other MLB News

We did it, Friday is here. Sit back, relax, get comfortable and enjoy today’s Orioles news! As usual, we’ve got more news from the site to cover as well as catching you up on everything going on in the rest of Major League Baseball. Let’s do this!

Orioles News 12/22/22 – Rule 5 Draft Speculation and Other MLB News

Game of (Rule) 5

The Rule 5 Draft holds a special place in the hearts of Orioles fans everywhere thanks to Dan Duquette wearing it as his favorite Tom Petty CD (no sources confirm this, Duquette seems like a Petty type). Who will join the likes of TJ McFarland, Ryan Flaherty and Anthony Santander in the halls of Orioles Rule 5 greats? We’ll have to find out, but there’s no harm in speculating in the meantime.

MLB News

Tampa Bay Rays sign P Zach Eflin

The Rays made a bit of history Thursday by signing swingman Zach Eflin to one three years, $40 million deal that, believe it or not, represents the largest free agent contract the franchise has ever awarded.

The former Phillies pitcher finished last season with one 4.04 ERA/3.56 FIP and should benefit from leaving behind what was one of the worst defenses in the league. The 28-year-old doesn’t turn on radar guns with his fastball, though avoid hard contact, walkand home runs with the best of them.

Dodgers buy lottery ticket with RHP Miller

Los Angeles finalized a one-year, $1.5 million deal with 32-year-old right-hander Shelby Miller on Thursday. Do you remember him?

The former Cardinals prospect was one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers from his debut in 2012 until 2016, when he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the deal that brought Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson in Atlanta. Miller struggled mightily in 2016 before undergoing Tommy John surgery and has dealt with a string of injuries since, limiting him to 101.2 innings between five different teams from 2017-22. This is a classic no-risk, high-reward situation for the Dodgers, who have nothing to lose by giving Miller a chance.

Enjoy the rest of your Friday, Birdland!