Former All-Star reliever Jorge Lopez has elected to become a free agent in the offseason after spending part of 2023 with the Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles.
Lopez struggled in 2023, pitching to a cumulative 4-2 record with a 5.09 ERA. He started out with Minnesota and was then traded to Miami, where he had a 9.26 ERA in 12 games. He ended the year in Baltimore, pitching to a 5.25 ERA in 12 more games.
It was a far cry from where he was in 2022, when he made the All-Star team with the Orioles. He had a 1.68 ERA in 44 games last year with Baltimore but then had a 4.37 ERA in Minneapolis after being traded at the deadline.
The 30-year-old has spent parts of eight years in the big leagues with Brewers, Royals, O's, Twins and Marlins.
Given his age and prior success, it stands to reason that he'll get another chance this offseason with someone. Bullpens are very volatile and guys can find success in a new system or with a new coaching staff very easily. Sometimes all it takes is a new pitching coach or new data to turn someone around.
Before becoming a good bullpen arm, Lopez spent multiple years in a starting rotation for teams. He made 18 starts for the 2019 Royals and 25 starts for the 2021 Orioles.
As a result of his prior starting experience, he's 22-40 lifetime with a 5.51 ERA. He has 27 career saves to his resume.
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