The first-place Baltimore Orioles bolstered their roster by adding veteran utility player Niko Goodrum and reliever Burch Smith. Goodrum, who was waived by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Smith, released by the Miami Marlins, will add valuable depth to the Orioles’ lineup. The team is quickly capitalizing on the opportunity to enhance their already strong performance.
Orioles Capitalize on Free Agent Market
Goodrum’s Journey Continues
The 32-year-old veteran Niko Goodrum has traveled through numerous MLB teams this season, having been with five different organizations. His journey began during Spring Training and includes stints with the Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, LA Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays.
The O's signed infielder Niko Goodrum and right-hander Burch Smith today.
All that info and more hot topics from @masnRoch. https://t.co/HPnCUNc7bY pic.twitter.com/om9WGyCErn
— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) June 28, 2024
In the majors, Goodrum made 13 appearances with the Rays and Angels, posting unimpressive stats with a .103/.188/.103 slash line, three walks, and ten strikeouts. However, his minor league performance was stronger, where he batted .270/.387/.444 over 75 at-bats, hit three home runs, and drew 11 walks.
Goodrum’s Career Overview
Niko Goodrum’s career stats show a .224/.297/.383 slash line with over 1,600 plate appearances. He also has international experience, having played in Korea during the 2023 season, where he posted a .295/.373/.387 line over 201 plate appearances. Goodrum offers valuable versatility for the Orioles, being capable of playing multiple positions, excluding catcher and center field.
Smith Joins the Orioles
Burch Smith began his MLB career with the San Diego Padres in 2013. The 34-year-old pitched 29 innings for the Miami Marlins in 2023 before taking advantage of a mobility clause that allowed him to leave. With the Marlins, he had a 4.25 ERA and a solid 47% ground ball rate, with a 17% strikeout rate and an 8.6% swinging strike rate.
His time with the Marlins was his most substantial MLB experience, though he also played in Korea last season, where he made just one start due to a shoulder injury. Smith’s velocity has improved in 2024, with his four-seam fastball averaging 94.4 mph. The Orioles plan to start him in Triple-A Norfolk before transitioning him to a middle-reliever role at Camden Yards.
