Two weeks after signing their closer for the 2024 season, the Orioles made another pitching move via a trade.
The Orioles have acquired right-hander Jonathan Heasley from the Royals in exchange for Dominican Summer League right-hander Cesar Espinal.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the deal, and the team just announced it.
Heasley, who turns 27 next month, made 12 relief appearances with the Royals this year and posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.267 WHIP in 15 innings. He made three starts in 2021 and 21 the following season before moving to the bullpen.
Heasley has gone 5-11 with a 5.45 ERA and 1.436 WHIP in 133 2/3 major league innings and averaged only 5.7 strikeouts. The 13th-round pick in 2018 out of Oklahoma State University has registered a 4.43 ERA and 1.304 WHIP in 100 games in the minors, including 76 starts.
