In a move reflecting the ongoing fluidity of roster management, the Baltimore Orioles have announced the trade of right-handed pitcher Ryan Watson to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations. This trade is permissible due to Watson’s status of not being on a 40-man roster this season, a stipulation that allows such transactions even after the trade deadline.
Watson, who is 26 years old, entered the professional baseball landscape in a somewhat unconventional manner. Undrafted in the shortened 2020 draft, which was limited to five rounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Watson signed with the Orioles as an undrafted free agent. Over the past few years, he has served primarily as a swingman for the Orioles, with performances that have been relatively under the radar. From 2021 to 2023, Watson accumulated 259 2/3 innings across various minor league levels, maintaining a 4.30 earned run average (ERA).
The 2024 season has marked a notable shift for Watson, who has transitioned to a relief role. In this capacity, he has demonstrated promising improvements, posting a 2.38 ERA across 22 2/3 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A. His strikeout rate has been solid, with a 26.1% strikeout rate, while his walk rate has been manageable at 8%. Despite these encouraging statistics, the Orioles did not promote Watson to the major leagues.
The Orioles’ decision to bolster their bullpen at the trade deadline by acquiring Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto from the Phillies further diminished Watson’s chances of making the big league roster. The addition of these experienced arms made it less likely that Watson would receive a call-up.
Conversely, the Giants, who had recently traded reliever Luke Jackson and optioned former closer Camilo Doval to the minors, have identified an opportunity in Watson. The Giants’ bullpen depth has been tested, and Watson’s recent performance offers potential reinforcement. While he has not garnered significant attention from prospect evaluators, his current results have caught the Giants’ eye.
With the Giants looking to fortify their bullpen and Watson aiming to secure a spot on the major league roster, this trade represents a potential turning point for both parties. Watson will now have the opportunity to contribute to the Giants’ bullpen and possibly prove himself as a valuable asset in the majors.