{"id":51098,"date":"2025-04-09T07:37:18","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T07:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=51098"},"modified":"2025-04-09T07:37:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T07:37:18","slug":"update-this-orioles-right-hander-is-forcing-his-way-into-brandon-hydes-circle-of-trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=51098","title":{"rendered":"UPDATE: This Orioles’ right hander is forcing his way into Brandon Hyde’s circle of trust"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bryan Baker has emerged as a surprising bright spot in the Orioles’ bullpen early in 2025, showcasing renewed command that could make him a key late-inning weapon.<\/p>\n

\"Baltimore<\/p>\n

Over the past few seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have built a reputation on the back of their young core. From the infield riches of Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg to the arm of future ace in the making Grayson Rodriguez, this is a team with a clear vision for sustained success.<\/div>\n
Anchoring the bullpen, of course,\u00a0is the dominant F\u00e9lix Bautista.<\/p>\n

But beyond Bautista, the rest of the Orioles\u2019 bullpen picture has been a mixed bag.<\/p>\n

In 2024, Baltimore\u2019s relief corps posted a 4.22 ERA, ranking 21st in the majors. The second half was even worse, with a 4.97 ERA \u2014 third worst in baseball during that stretch.<\/p>\n

Injuries, inconsistency, and a misfire in veteran addition Craig Kimbrel contributed to a\u00a0bullpen that often failed to hold leads\u00a0or stop the bleeding in close games.<\/p>\n

As the Orioles turned their offseason focus toward the rotation and awaited Bautista\u2019s return from Tommy John surgery, the bullpen mostly faded into the background.<\/p>\n

But that doesn\u2019t mean it was going to stay quiet and right handed reliever Bryan Baker is making sure of that.<\/p>\n

Once on the verge of becoming a minor league journeyman, Baker\u2019s story is one of persistence.<\/p>\n

Drafted by the Rockies, shuffled to the Blue Jays, and eventually claimed off waivers by the Orioles in 2021, Baker has bounced between Triple-A Norfolk and the big-league club for the better part of three seasons.<\/p>\n

He showed flashes in 2022 and 2023, but command issues were his downfall \u2014 posting walk rates of 8.9% and a ballooning 12.9% in back-to-back years.<\/p>\n

After starting 2024 in Norfolk to refine his mechanics and regain control, Baker returned late in the season, putting up a 5.01 ERA in 19 appearances \u2014 a number that certainly didn\u2019t jump off the page, but he showed signs of progress.<\/p>\n

Bryan Baker\u2019s quiet reinvention could be a game-changer for the Orioles\u2019 bullpen in 2025<\/h2>\n

Now, just a couple weeks into the 2025 season, Baker is making sure people take notice.<\/p>\n

In five appearances out of the bullpen, Baker has been remarkable. He\u2019s allowed just three hits over 5.1 innings, striking out seven and issuing zero walks.<\/p>\n

Baker spent the offseason\u00a0reworking his changeup grip,\u00a0searching for a feel that could turn it from a show-me pitch into a true out-pitch.<\/p>\n

So far, it\u2019s working. Three of his seven strikeouts this season have come from his changeup, and opponents are still searching for their first hit off of it.<\/p>\n

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