Orioles Bet on Veteran Reliever Mychal Givens

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, March 8th 2026 at 15:16 GMT by Sporting News
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Orioles Take a Chance on Veteran Reliever Mychal Givens: Can Baltimore Revive a Faltering Career?

The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off a surprisingly strong 2024 season and entering 2026 as a legitimate World Series contender, are taking a calculated risk on veteran reliever Mychal Givens. The team announced Tuesday the signing of the 37-year-old to a minor league contract, offering him a chance to resurrect his career after a deeply disappointing stint with the New York Mets. While the $14 million contract Givens signed with the Mets in 2023 ultimately proved to be a significant misstep for New York, the Orioles are banking on a low-risk, high-reward scenario.

This isn't a stranger to Baltimore. Givens was a reliable piece of the Orioles' bullpen from 2017 to 2020, establishing himself as a key setup man. His time in orange and black was marked by consistent performance and a knack for getting crucial outs in high-leverage situations. However, since leaving Baltimore via trade, his career has experienced a noticeable downturn. The Mets' acquisition of Givens was intended to bolster their late-inning relief corps, but the gamble spectacularly backfired. In 47 appearances, he posted a troubling 5.45 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP, leading to his eventual release in August of 2023.

"We're bringing him in with the understanding that he's coming off a rough patch," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde stated. "He's got a proven track record, and we believe we can help him get back on track. It's a low-risk deal for us." Hyde's statement underscores the Orioles' approach: identifying experienced players who might benefit from a change of scenery and a supportive environment. Baltimore has become increasingly adept at player development and revitalization, turning several seemingly lost causes into valuable contributors.

So, what went wrong in New York? Analysts point to a potential decline in velocity and command, coupled with an increased reliance on a slider that lost its effectiveness. The pressure of pitching in the New York market, combined with a struggling team, may have also contributed to his struggles. However, the Orioles believe their pitching coaches and a less-intense atmosphere can help Givens rediscover his form.

The Orioles' bullpen, while solid in 2024, could benefit from added depth and experience, especially as the team aims for a deeper playoff run in 2026. Yennier Cano established himself as a dominant closer, but reliable options for the 7th and 8th innings are always at a premium. Givens, if he can regain even a fraction of his former self, would provide a valuable boost. He brings a veteran presence and the ability to pitch in multiple roles, making him a versatile asset.

The signing also reflects the Orioles' shrewd offseason strategy. After building a strong core through drafting and development, the team is now selectively adding veteran pieces to complement its young talent. They avoided the splashy free agent signings that characterized some of their competitors, opting instead for calculated risks on players with something to prove. This approach has allowed them to maintain financial flexibility while simultaneously improving the roster.

Looking ahead to spring training, Givens will face an uphill battle to earn a spot on the major league roster. He will need to demonstrate to Hyde and the coaching staff that he has addressed the issues that plagued him in New York. The competition will be fierce, with several young arms vying for bullpen spots. But if Givens can show flashes of his former brilliance, he could very well find himself back in the big leagues, contributing to an Orioles team with legitimate World Series aspirations. The key will be regaining command of his pitches and rediscovering the confidence that made him a valuable asset in Baltimore years ago. The Orioles are hoping to unlock the "X-Factor" that made him so effective previously.

Beyond Givens, the Orioles are also keeping a close eye on their top prospects, many of whom are expected to make an impact in the coming seasons. The farm system remains one of the strongest in baseball, providing a steady pipeline of talent. The full 2024 schedule proved challenging, but the team navigated it well, setting the stage for a potentially even more successful 2026 campaign.