Former Orioles pitcher reportedly eyeing big league comeback

Last year, former Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman was trying to resurrect his MLB career after not having pitched since 2018. This winter, another former Oriole is trying to return to the majors, as Jon Heyman reported a few days ago that Adam Plutko is looking for a return to North America with an MLB job.

Plutko has spent the last two years pitching in Korea, pitching for the LG Twins, who won this year's KBO championship. The 32 year old has compiled a 2.40 ERA in 285 1/3 innings in Korea.

Former Orioles pitcher Adam Plutko is reportedly eyeing a return to the majors

The strikeouts have been limited for Plutko, as he sports a 21.7 percent strikeout rate overseas. He has limited walks, holding a six percent walk rate. He's been an effective ground ball pitcher as well, posting a 46 percent ground ball rate.

Plutko pitched for the Orioles in 2021, and as is the case for most of the members of the 2021 team, the results weren't pretty. He compiled a 6.71 ERA, 7.13 FIP, and 1.633 WHIP, averaging 4.3 walks per nine, 2.7 home runs per nine, and seven strikeouts per nine in one start, 38 games total, and 56 1/3 innings.

Before that, Plutko spent four seasons with the then-Cleveland Indians. In a Cleveland uniform, Plutko had a 5.05 ERA, 5.57 FIP, and 1.316 WHIP, averaging two home runs per nine, 2.4 walks per nine, and 6.5 strikeouts per nine, pitching in 217 1/3 innings while making 36 starts and 14 relief appearances.

Plutko's numbers in Korea are noticeable increases from his major league totals, upping his 17 percent strikeout rate in the majors to 21.7 in Korea. His walk rate went from 7.2 percent to an even six, and his 28.8 percent ground ball rate jumped to 46.

While the Orioles will likely avoid contract discussions with Plutko, as he was bad in Baltimore and the team is in a far better place, it would still be a cool story to see him return to the majors, whether it's in 2024 or later.