MLB rumors: Darren O’Day to return to Orioles

Early on Sunday morning, one of the most discussed free agents in this year’s pool reportedly has decided on a location.

Per CBS Sports’ John Heyman, pitcher Darren O’Day has decided to return to the Baltimore Orioles. Widely felt to be the best relief pitcher available this winter, O’Day had been one of the most discussed free agents of the year thus far, being connected to upwards of a dozen different teams. In the end, the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves emerged as the most serious contenders for his services, with the Nationals holding what was believed to be a slight edge due to O’Day’s wife, Elizabeth Prann, working in the area as a television personality for Fox News Channel.

The Orioles however had stayed engaged with their prized setup man, and in the end appear to have been able to keep him on board. While terms have not been announced yet, the 33-year-old setup man was rumored to be looking for a four year deal in the range of $33 million or more. The fiscally conscious Orioles were believed to be hesitant initially to allocate that type of money for his services, but in the end it appears the oft-dominant consistency he has offered the O’s over the past four years was too much to pass on.

Since coming to Baltimore in 2011, the side-winding righty has arguably been the best setup man in baseball. Over 263 innings as an Oriole, he has posted a 1.92 ERA along with 283 strikeouts and a sporting a miniscule 0.958 WHIP.

In 2015, O’Day made his All-Star debut, in a season where he worked to a 6-2 record, with a 1.52 ERA and held batters to a .198 average against.

With O’Day off of the board, the top free agent relief pitchers remaining available include Joakim Soria, Tony Sipp, Tyler Clippard and Fernando Rodney.