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Baltimore Orioles: Mike Wright Signs With Korea’s NC Dinos

By Nick Stevens

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Mike Wright Jr. #43 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches before the third inning during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 12: Mike Wright Jr. #43 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches before the third inning during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Wright is heading to South Korea to compete in the KBO.

Per a report over at Naver Sports and highlighted MyKBO.net’s Dan Kurtz, the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization have signed two former major leaguers, including former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mike Wright.

The Dinos have also signed former Philadelphia Phillies, and most recently New York Mets outfielder, Aaron Altherr, as well. Both will earn $1 million with their one-year deals.

Drafted in the third round of the 2011 draft out of East Carolina University, Mike Wright was never able to live up to his billing as a Top 10 prospect in the Baltimore Orioles system, despite being given opportunity after opportunity to secure a spot at the major league level.

The 6’6″ righty pitched for parts of five seasons with the Orioles, compiling a 10-12 record, 5.95 ERA, and 1.55 WHIP in 101 games (23 starts). After two failed attempts at laying claim to starting rotation spot, Wright moved to the bullpen where his struggles continued.

Wright saw his strikeout rate climb from 6.5/9 IP to 7.9/9 IP after converting to a reliever, but he still owned a 5.66 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and struggled with giving up home runs.

The Orioles finally cut ties with Wright early in 2019, after proving he was still the same Mike Wright, despite a hot spring training. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners for minor league infielder Ryne Ogren after being designated for assignment.

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With the Mariners, Wright split his time between Triple-A and the majors, working a 2-5 record, 5.28 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and .269 average against as a starter with Tacoma in the Pacific Coast League. Despite pitching in a launching pad turned war zone for pitchers with the juiced Triple-A baseball, Wright gave up just four home runs in 58 innings.

Unfortunately, he was unable to find much success in the big leagues with Seattle. Wright made nine relief appearances, giving up 12 earned runs in 16 innings and giving up a .324 average to opponents.

Mike Wright joins Aaron Brooks as former Orioles to find a new home in the KBO. With an increased salary and an opportunity to pitch professionally, it’s hard to turn down the offer. We wish both men success as they try and establish themselves overseas.

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