Ex-Mets Reliever Reportedly Lands With Orioles In Attempt To Return To Big Leagues

One former member of the New York Mets is on the move. 

Former Mets relief pitcher T.J. McFarland reportedly agreed to a minor league contract with the surprising Baltimore Orioles after a short stretch in New York, according to the MLB Transaction Log. 

McFarland signed a minor league deal with the Mets ahead of the 2023 campaign and worked his way back up to the big leagues after a solid stretch in the minors. The 34-year-old made 23 appearances with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets and compiled a 2.76 ERA and struck out 37 batters across 32 2/3 innings. McFarland was called up to the big leagues and made three appearances and allowed one earned run before being designated for assignment. 

The 34-year-old is an 11-year big league veteran and has spent time with the Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Mets this past offseason. 

It's unclear what role McFarland will play for the Orioles but he will begin his 2023 tenure in the Baltimore organization with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides as he looks to work his way back up to the big leagues. McFarland actually began his big league career as a member of the Orioles in 2013 and spent the first four seasons of his career with the club. Over that stretch, McFarland compiled a 4.27 ERA across 121 outings. 

Baltimore has been a major surprise this season and currently sits atop the American League East standings with a sterling 61-38 record. If McFarland can impress in the minor leagues, maybe he could provide some veteran depth down the stretch for Baltimore as it looks to work its way back to the postseason.