Orioles hope for lighting to strike twice with recent international signings

One of the best storylines from the Orioles season was the surprise success of Albert Suarez in his return to the major leagues. The O's took a chance by signing the 34 year old who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2017, and that move paid off. Suarez was signed to a minor league contract with a chance to make the big club as a long reliever. He finished the season as a regular in the starting rotation and was one of the team's best pitchers down the stretch.

They say lighting doesn't strike the same place twice but that's exactly what the Birds hope will happen in 2025. Over the last week and half, the Orioles have signed Yaramil Hiraldo and Rodolfo Martinez to minor league contracts.

Like Suarez, Hiraldo and Martinez had signed with major league teams previously but have spent the last several years playing internationally trying keep their dreams alive. Unlike Suarez, neither Hiraldo nor Martinez have major league experience, but they both are getting that coveted second chance.

Orioles hope to replicate Albert Suarez's success with two international signings

Hiraldo originally signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 as a 22 year old. His first two years with the organization were like a dream as he breezed through the first few levels of minor league baseball. Hiraldo didn't play during the 2020 season but returned in 2021. Unfortunately, he just wasn't the same guy. Even though he only had one bad season, Hiraldo was already 25 years old playing High-A baseball so the Diamondbacks cut ties with him.

Over the last four seasons, Hiraldo has played professional baseball in Columbia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the U.S. (Atlantic League). In that time, he has become a reliable middle reliever with some closing experience. He's been a strikeout machine throughout his career and could be a guy the Orioles turn to if they need to get out of a jam.

Martinez was first signed by the San Francisco Giants as a 20 year old back in 2014. He spent five years moving up and down the Giants' farm system. He made it as high as Triple-A in 2019 but only for one game, and he got hit hard in that lone outing. The former minor league All-Star also dealt with some injuries in his time with the Giants and was released following the 2019 season.

Since then, Martinez has spent most of his time playing in the Dominican Winter League, but he also played in Mexico. He only played five total games from 2020-2023 but has made 24 appearances this season and appears to be fully healthy as he heads to Norfolk. His numbers have not been great but clearly the Orioles front office sees something they like.

Could Hiraldo or Martinez be the next breakout sensation? Will either of them finally make it to the major leagues? Hiraldo is 28 and Martinez is 30 so the odds are against them, but keep in mind that Suarez was 34 at the start of last season. They will be fun players to keep an eye on.