Sounds like this former Orioles starter could be out of MLB for good

Earlier this week, it was announced by Yoo Jee-Ho of the Yonhap News Agency that former Orioles' LHP Cole Irvin had inked a one-year contract with the Doosan Bears of the KBO. Irvin signed for $1 million, which is the maximum amount allowed for first-year foreign players entering the Korean league.

Irvin had been a trade acquisition back in 2023, coming over from the Oakland A's. While he was a solid and reliable pitcher in the two years prior to the trade, Irvin's time in Baltimore did not go well.

Between 2021-2022, Irvin pitched to a 4.11 ERA in Oakland, throwing 359.1 innings in those two years combined. Irvin was both worse, posting a combined 5.11 ERA, and less available, throwing just 188.1 innings while shifting between a starting role and the bullpen.

Former Orioles LHP Cole Irvin heads to the KBO to try to revive his career

Thanks to his poor performance in 2024, the Orioles designated him for assignment in September and he was summarily picked up by the Twins. Irvin once again pitched poorly during a very short stint in Minnesota and was again DFA'd, but this time went unclaimed.

Rather than wait out free agency in hopes of securing a major league deal, Irvin has decided to jump ship and head to Korea to try to revive his career. It's within the realm of possibility that Irvin pitches well enough to find a route back to MLB. It could take a new pitch, or some similar drastic change in approach to do so, however.

Irvin was never a flamethrower. He relied on accuracy and command to get guys out. Ultimately, his career ran its course. Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors suggested that Irvin could work his way up the KBO ladder with a strong performance in 2025, and could even potentially leverage a strong year or two to a career in Japan's NPB.

If Irvin wants to pitch in MLB again though, something has to change. His final four outings in Minnesota resulted in a 12.27 ERA while striking out just 2 of the 22 batters he faced in that time. That's the final image of Irvin for MLB teams, so it'll be tough to get that out of teams' minds.

Irvin is, by all accounts, a great person off the field. So while we may not want to see him return to Baltimore for performance reasons, we'll wish him all the best with his future career and hope that he's successful during his time abroad.