Orioles avoid arbitration with Voth (updated)

The Orioles finished their arbitration business today and proved again that the file-and-go approach has its exceptions.

Pitcher Austin Voth agreed to terms on a 2023 contract that also includes a club option for 2024. He’s the last of the six arbitration-eligible players to receive a new deal.

Terms weren’t immediately available. Voth sought $2 million after the sides exchanged figures on Jan. 13, and the club offered $1.7 million.

Voth, 30, is also eligible for arbitration next winter unless the Orioles pick up the option.

The Orioles claimed Voth off waivers from the Nationals on June 7 and it wasn’t viewed within the industry as an impact move. Voth was out of options, and he ran out of chances in D.C. after posting a 10.13 ERA and 2.143 WHIP in 19 relief appearances in 2022.

The right-hander looked like a different pitcher after the waiver claim. He registered a 3.04 ERA and 1.229 WHIP in 22 appearances that included 17 starts for a team that contended for a wild card berth until the final week of the season.

How the Orioles use Voth this season is unclear. He’s a candidate for a rotation that could be too crowded with No. 1 pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez almost certain to break camp with the team. The Orioles signed veteran Kyle Gibson to a one-year, $10 million deal, and they’re bringing back Tyler Wells, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, Bruce Zimmermann, Spenser Watkins and Mike Baumann.

Left-hander DL Hall switched to a relief role after returning to the Orioles in September but he could become a starter again depending on how camp progresses.

Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias remains in the market for a starting pitcher who could slot within the first three spots in the rotation.

Voth would bring value as a long reliever and swingman. The Orioles could use the innings coverage with limited track records among their starters.

Outfielders Anthony Santander, Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays, reliever Dillon Tate and infielder Jorge Mateo reached agreements earlier to avoid arbitration. The Orioles have gone to only one hearing since Elias was hired in November 2018, with Santander losing his case in 2021.

First baseman Trey Mancini and starter John Means signed last spring after exchanging figures. Mancini received a $10 million mutual option and Means, who underwent Tommy John surgery, received a two-year deal.

Update: Voth is guaranteed $1.85 million this year and the team holds an option for $2.45 million that can escalate by up to $500,000 based on starts.

The Athletic was first with the terms.