Tyler Wells

Wells turned a moderately successful 2021 as a reliever into a decent 2022 as a starter. He logged a 4.25 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 76:28 K:BB across 103.2 innings across 23 starts, though he needed some time to stretch out early in the year and lost six weeks in the second half to an oblique injury. The right-hander also ended the season on the shelf with a shoulder issue, which is concerning since it's the second year in a row that's popped up. The Orioles lacked a true ace after John Means' Tommy John surgery last spring, allowing Wells to stick around as a starter. Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall are on the horizon of making a major-league impact, so it could end up making Wells a swingman. He might make do as a late-round pick in fantasy if he's a starter, but there's little chance he'll be in the mix for saves if he ends up in the bullpen. In any case, Wells has yet to prove he has the durability for a full major-league campaign, and he's yet to throw more than 119.1 innings in any season.

Wells boasts an intriguing skill set, but it comes with a couple of warnings. Last season was his first since 2018 Tommy John surgery, and he ended the year a week early with right shoulder inflammation. The bigger concern is Wells is an extreme flyball pitcher, which can be hazardous in Camden Yards, not to mention the AL East. On the other hand, he's always missed bats while being frugal with free passes. Last season's 23.7% K-BB% was 38th best among the 398 hurlers collecting at least 40 innings. Wells features a 95-mph four-seam fastball, slider, curve, and occasional changeup. He was 4-for-6 in saves during September before he was shut down. At minimum, Wells should be given the chance to break camps as the Orioles closer. If he can manage to keep homers under control, Wells has a chance to be a sneaky source of saves.