Orioles Sign Veteran Lefty Wade LeBlanc to Minor-League Contract
By Scott Rogust
Even though the Baltimore Orioles are in the midst of a lengthy rebuild, that didn't prevent them from adding a veteran arm on the cheap.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Orioles and left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc are in agreement on a one-year, minor-league contract on Tuesday. If he were to make the Orioles roster, he'd earn a base salary of $800,000.
Left-hander Wade LeBlanc and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a minor league contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN. LeBlanc should have a good shot at a rotation spot with Baltimore and would make $800,000 if he cracks the roster.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 29, 2020
LeBlanc, 35, was waiting for the chance to crack a team's starting rotation, and the Orioles presented themselves as the best landing spot. With Dylan Bundy traded to the Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore's pitching depth chart is rather weak.
This past season, LeBlanc played for the lowly Seattle Mariners who, like the Orioles, are desperately trying to rebuild. In 2019, LeBlanc posted a 5.71 ERA, 92 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 121.1 innings.
The #Orioles and LHP Wade LeBlanc are in agreement on a minor league contract. pic.twitter.com/1nkkXd35VA
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) January 29, 2020
The Orioles aren't expected to compete in 2020, especially when in the same division as the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays. But that doesn't matter to LeBlanc, who is just trying to stay afloat in the majors.
If LeBlanc is to perform admirably in Baltimore, he could either earn himself a decent contract next winter, or be traded to a contender at the deadline.