Top star has reportedly signed with the Orioles, according to an announcement on his Instagram. The 28-year-old right-hander has been a free agent since the Astros released him last August, and it’s likely his new deal with Baltimore is a minor league contract.
His lone MLB appearance in 2024 came on April 3, when he pitched a scoreless inning in the Astros’ 8-0 victory over the Blue Jays. He was sent back to Triple-A the following day, where he struggled with a 6.50 ERA and a troubling 23.9% walk rate over 36 innings for Sugar Land. These struggles led to his designation for assignment and eventual release.
Control issues have been a recurring problem for Coleman in recent years. While his walk rates were average during his time in the Padres’ system, he found success with the Royals in 2022, posting a 2.78 ERA over 68 relief innings. Despite a .247 BABIP and a 12.8% walk rate raising some concerns, he appeared to be establishing himself in Kansas City’s bullpen.
However, things unraveled in 2023. Coleman posted an 8.84 ERA in 18 1/3 innings with the Royals and a 4.70 ERA in 30 2/3 innings at Triple-A Omaha. His walk rates soared to 19.8% in the majors and 21.8% in the minors, leading to his trade to Houston in December 2023.
Coleman’s fastball, which reached 98 mph during his 2021 MLB debut, dipped to an average of 95.7 mph in Triple-A last season. Despite the decline, his velocity remains solid, and he’s maintained strong strikeout numbers, including a 24.2% strikeout rate over 93 2/3 MLB innings. The Orioles seem optimistic about his potential, especially if he can improve his control and recapture his 2022 form.