Phillies Trade Pitcher Tom Eshelman to Orioles for International Signing Money
By Adam Weinrib
After a brief blip in their international signing strategy, it seems that things are back to normal for the O's.
After making an unsuccessful run at signing Cuban free agent Victor Victor Mesa in 2018, Baltimore is now your one-stop shop if you're a club looking to obtain some international cash once again.
The Phillies are the latest recipients, sending pitcher Tom Eshelman to B'more for a chunk of change.
Phillies have traded minor-league RHP Tom Eshelman to Baltimore for international signing money. Good luck to a good guy.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) June 10, 2019
Eshelman, a 24-year-old starter out of Cal State Fullerton, has been quietly killing it lately in Triple-A at Lehigh Valley.
Eshelman's last 5 starts, including 4 with @IronPigs:
— Tom Housenick (@TomHousenick) June 10, 2019
2.48 ERA
1.13 WHIP
.664 opposing OPS
The Orioles, always looking for pitching of any kind, may have obtained a steady arm here who can play in their big league rotation in the second half. At the very least, Eshelman seems like a competent innings-eater, and all he cost was money that was ticketed for a lottery.
Of course, Baltimore could've just rebuilt like the rest of the league does and tried to maximize their assets to strike gold internationally. Their call.