It’s very rare that a player on the Baltimore Orioles reaches arbitration under the leadership of Mike Elias. Since he took over the executive vice president and general manager role in November 2018, only Anthony Santander has ever reached arbitration.

That could change this year as five players were unsigned with Cionel Perez, Austin Hays, Ryan O’Hearn, Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb looking for contracts different than what the team is willing to pay.

However, Baltimore announced on Jan. 22 that they have agreed to a one-year deal with the left-handed pitcher Perez to avoid arbitration. There will be a club option attached for the 2025 season as well.

The reliever was looking for $1.4 million and the Orioles were willing to pay $1.1 million when figures were originally exchanged, according to Roch Kubatko.

There have been no details released about the contract Perez signed.

This is good news for Baltimore as they get back a pitcher that’s appeared in 131 games and posted a 2.43 ERA since he was claimed off waivers back in 2021.

Perez was incredible for the Orioles in 2022, posting an ERA of 1.40 across 66 games. He struggled to start last season, recording a 4.45 ERA in his first 33 appearances, before lowering that to 2.35 over his last 32. This allowed him to finish with an ERA of 3.54 on the year.

The 27-year-old is easily having the best stretch of his career in Baltimore and has proven he can be an elite option for them out of the bullpen.

Without the addition of another starting pitcher this offseason, there might be more stress on the relief staff in 2024.

Having Perez back on this team-friendly deal will help ease some of the pitching concerns the Orioles face heading into the year.