Ex-Rule 5 pick Verrett returns
Right-hander acquired from Mets for cash; Duquette lauds ability to start, relieve
The Orioles reunited with right-handed pitcher Logan Verrett, who was one of the team’s Rule 5 draft picks two years ago, acquiring him Wednesday from the New York Mets for cash considerations.
Verrett was 3-8 with a 5.20 ERA in 35 games (12 starts) for the Mets last season. He opened the season as a swingman with New York, compiling a 0.93 ERA in his first nine games (two starts), but did his best out of the bullpen. Verrett had a 2.84 ERA in 312⁄ innings as a reliever.
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duqette said Verrett’s ability to work as a starter and a reliever was an attractive commodity.
“Good, solid, dependable kid,” Duquette said. “Every staff needs a pitcher who can pitch multiple roles like Logan Verrett. Glad to have him back with [the] O’s.”
When the Orioles took Verrett as their second Rule 5 pick from the Mets in 2014, he had to remain on the major league roster for the entire season or be offered back.
But in reacquiring him in a trade, the Orioles are free of those restrictions. Verrett, 26, has one minor league option remaining.
In his previous stint with the Orioles, Verrett had a 1.93 ERA in 14 Grapefruit League innings in 2015. He allowed just one earned run over his final nine spring training innings, but the Orioles were unable to carry him on their Opening Day roster. The team’s other Rule 5 pick, right-hander Jason Garcia, did remain with the club for the entire season.
Verrett was then claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, who acquired him under the same Rule 5 restrictions, and was then returned to the Mets.