December 7
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirms that the Baltimore Orioles and Darren O’Day have resolved the issues that prompted O’Day to take to Twitter on Sunday to say there was no deal with the O’s.
The two sides ironed out a few obstacles and officially agreed on a four-year, $31 million dollar contract on Monday night.
December 6
Although it has yet to be finalized, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that Darren O’Day and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth $31 million dollars.
The deal for the veteran side-armer is pending a physical, but is clearly agreed to by both parties Heyman says.
On Friday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported that the Orioles had made O’Day an aggressive offer, but that the Washington Nationals were also a top suitor for the right-hander and still in the picture.
The Mets initially expressed interest in O’Day early in the offseason, but interest in him has waned as it became apparent that the cost would be too prohibitive for them.
Along with Ryan Madson, who signed with the Oakland A’s Sunday morning, that’s two big relievers that are now off the table as the Winter Meetings kickoff in Nashville.
December 2
Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have made a “competitive” offer to free agent reliever Darren O’Day.
The Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also among the more serious teams bidding for O’Day’s talents.
An industry source told Connolly that O’Day is weighing his offers and there is a possibility he could agree to a contract with a team before the winter meetings start Monday in Nashville, Tenn.
Over the last four seasons, O’Day has gone 23-8 with a 1.92 ERA, 214 ERA+ and 0.939 WHIP. In 263.0 innings pitched, he has struck out 283 batters for a 9.7 strikeout rate, while posting a 2.1 walk rate and a 4.56 BB/SO ratio.
This past season was his best season yet, as O’Day went 6-2 with a 1.52 ERA, striking out 82 batters in 65.1 innings, while walking only 14 and allowing just five home runs. He also picked up six saves.
The Mets were initially targeting O’Day when the free agency period began according to reports by Anthony DiComo. However, they backed off upon realizing his price was too costly for them.
O’Day is expected to get a four-year deal worth $32-$36 million dollars, putting him in the same salary range as an average MLB closer.
