Baltimore Orioles Re-Sign Right-Handed Pitcher Chris Tillman

The Baltimore Orioles have re-signed starting pitcher Chris Tillman to a one-year deal with $3 million guaranteed. Tillman had a 7.84 ERA with the Orioles last year.

Chris Tillman, a mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles rotation during their renaissance of success starting in 2012, will return to the Orioles on a one year deal with $3 million guaranteed.  The news was first reported today by Jon Heyman.

According to Dan Connolly of BaltimoreBaseball.com, Tillman can potentially make up to $10 million, similar to his salary last year.

Chris Tillman had a forgetful year in 2017 as he battled injury to start the season late and was unable to find his rhythm.  Tillman compiled a 7.84 in 19 starts including 24 appearances totaling 93 innings.  Tillman’s WHIP soared to an insane 1.89 and a K/BB ratio of 1.24.  Tillman’s stellar history with the Orioles outside of 2017 was a strong reason for the organization wanting to bring him back and redeem his value.

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Is Chris Tillman capable of a comeback?

Certainly!  Keep in mind that Chris Tillman did not have the chance to go through a regular spring training in 2017 prior to the season beginning due to injury.  There were all sorts of mechanical issues along with a decrease in velocity and lack of command as he issued 51 walks in those 93 innings.

Tillman has done this before where after a poor 2015 showing where his ERA was 4.99 and a WHIP of 1.39 he bounced back in 2016 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

It is important to note that Chris Tillman is healthy and he will be able to go through a full spring training without any more setbacks.  Let’s all hope that he is able to turn the corner once again and solidify the rotation.

What does this mean going forward?

If Chris Tillman is unable to return to his form and is hurting the Orioles chances of competing, his contract is easier to swallow and potentially cut if push comes to shove.

The current rotation now consists of Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Andrew Cashner, and Chris Tillman.  If the Orioles were to get Lance Lynn or Alex Cobb, the team would have five right-handers in the rotation.

Next: Orioles Interested in Corey Dickerson

Jaime Garcia and Jason Vargas are now off the board and Francisco Liriano seems as the only remaining lefty option in free agency.  If the Orioles wish to really to have a lefty starter, Nestor Cortes and Jayson Aquino remain as the only options.  Stay tuned and find out!