Félix Bautista was almost certainly out for the entire season, so the Orioles went to free agency to add a closer.

Rather than hand out a lucrative contract for one of the top closers on the market, the Orioles opted to sign a veteran right-hander to a reasonable contract that could turn into a two-year agreement. Known for his elite four-seam fastball, the closer was recently an All-Star, but a poor second half of last season raised questions about his future and lowered his cost. The Orioles, aware of the risks, took a bet on the pitcher’s track record and ability to bounce back with them.

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