Orioles reunite with former reliever on minor league deal

The Baltimore Orioles continued to shore up the fringes of their roster on Friday as Jon Heyman has reported that right-handed reliever Matt Bowman will be rejoining the Orioles in 2025 on a minor league deal.

Heyman also notes that Bowman will be receiving an invitation to spring training and will earn $1.1 million with up to $400K in incentives if he's on the major league roster.

Bringing Bowman back as bullpen depth is a solid under-the radar-move for the Orioles. The Chevy Chase, Maryland native bounced between four different organizations in 2024, spending time with the Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Not only did he reportedly enjoy his time with the Orioles, but he proved to be a decent depth arm who provided the Orioles with much-needed innings down the stretch.

In 15.2 innings with the Orioles, Bowman pitched to a 3.45 ERA with 14 strikeouts. He also logged three no-hit innings with six strikeouts while with Triple-A Norfolk.

RHP Matt Bowman should see time in the Orioles' bullpen in 2025

With the loss of relievers Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb, the Orioles figured to be active in either the free agent market or scouring the waiver wire for additional bullpen help. They have also lost a decent chunk of Triple-A relief depth this offseason, with LHP Nick Vespi signing with Philadelphia Phillies and LHP Bruce Zimmermann signing a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in the last week.

The Orioles have brought in a few veterans from the Mexican pro-ranks early in the offseason, but Bowman brings familiarity to the organization, and clearly impressed the front office enough during his 15 innings of work for them to want him back. After bouncing around between four different organizations last year, the stability is also likely a welcomed bonus for Bowman.

The 33-year-old brings a league average sinker to the table, a pitch that limited opponents to a .130 average against and .241 slugging percentage last season (38.8% usage rate). While the results with his sweeper weren't eye-popping, it does have a 138 Stuff+ rating via FanGraphs, meaning stuff-wise the sweeper is a nasty, plus-offering. Perhaps a little stability and full spring training with the organization can unlock a bit more and lead Bowman to being a valuable depth relief arm.

Bowman was the second minor league signing announced today with outfielder Jordyn Adams also joining the organization with an MiLB deal and invite to spring training, as first reported by FanSided's Robert Murray.