Per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Baltimore Orioles have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Nate Karns to a one-year deal worth $800,000, including up to $200,000 in incentives. Both MASN.com’s Roch Kubatko and The Athletic’s Dan Connoly have confirmed the report, meaning the Orioles have themselves their first major league free agent signing.
Karns hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since early 2017, however, this is an excellent buy-low free agent signing who could provide good value to the Baltimore Orioles. With the top of the rotation seemingly set and consisting of Dylan Bundy, Alex Cobb, and Andrew Cashner (no particular order), the final two spots are up for grabs, with a heavy competition expected between a long list of unproven rookie and second-year arms.