Orioles Claim Jake Reed Off Waivers from the Dodgers

If there is one thing that has been consistent with the Baltimore Orioles this season, it has been waiver claims. The Orioles made another waiver claim Monday, picking up right-handed pitcher Jake Reed after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers. To make room for him on the 40 man roster, Jonathan Araúz was placed on the restricted list.

As of the time writing this, nothing has been officialized yet other than the waiver claim, but it is expected that Reed gets optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to join the Tides roster. No matter if he’s in Baltimore or Norfolk, I think it’s a good idea to get to know the newest member of the 40-man roster.

Reed is in the midst of his second big league season, debuting with the Dodgers in 2021, before ending the year with the Mets. Reed has plenty of team control remaining, as he isn’t arbitration eligible until 2025, and he isn’t scheduled to hit free agency until after the 2027 season ends.

Baltimore Orioles claim RHP Jake Reed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers

Currently, Reed has a four-pitch mix that he deploys coming out of the bullpen. His main pitch is the sinker, being thrown 44.6 percent of the time. His slider is used 43.1 percent of the time, followed by his four-seam fastball at just 8.8 percent. His least used pitch is the changeup, being used just 3.4 percent of the time.

As of now, Reed only appears on three Statcast metrics. I’ll say this, they aren’t good at all. His fastball velocity sits in the 22nd percentile, so he doesn’t throw it hard. It doesn’t move much either, as his fastball spin is in the 26th percentile. His extension is even worse, with it being in the first, yes, the first percentile.

Reed started this season in the Mets organization. He appeared in 5 games for them, pitching to a 11.37 ERA and 1.579 WHIP in only 6 1/3 innings. He then was back with the Dodgers and appeared in 5 games with them. His numbers were much improved in Los Angeles, recording a 1.93 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, only issuing one walk in 4 2/3 innings of work.

Much like the recent addition of Anthony Castro, Reed is nothing more than a depth move. He could contribute to the bullpen in some capacity this season, but this is more than likely a move for the future, as he has plenty of control left at a cheap salary. If the Baltimore Orioles give Reed a shot, he could be the next waiver claim they turn around.