O’s sign Niko Goodrum, Burch Smith to minor league deals

Written by:

Zachary Bucklew

According to multiple industry sources, the Orioles have agreed to terms on 2024 minor league contracts with utility player Niko Goodrum and right-hander Burch Smith.

Goodrum, drafted in 2010 by the Minnesota Twins, made his major league debut as a September call-up in 2017. He is joining his sixth big club in seven seasons, although he spent a good part of his career with the Detroit Tigers.

Goodrum, 32, has played 415 career games and left MLB in 2023 to join the Lotte Giants in the KBO. Through his 2023 season in the KBO, Goodrum hit an impressive .295 with 28 RBIs.

After being claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Goodrum was designated for assignment on June 14. He then elected free agency and has now found a new home with the Orioles.

Niko Goodrum – 09/16/2021 pic.twitter.com/JGCbyRBnBA
— Random Homers (@randomhomers) February 23, 2024

Burch Smith was drafted in 2011 by the San Diego Padres and made his MLB debut in 2013. The 34-year-old was recently released on June 20 from the Miami Marlins and is joining his seventh organization of his career.

Burch has pitched 25 games this season for Miami and contributed a 4.25 ERA in 29.2 innings on the mound. This comes after a stint in the KBO with the Hanwha Eagles.

In 127 career games, Smith has a record of 7-11 with an ERA of 5.79 and WHIP of 1.57.

New Marlins RHP Burch Smith pitched the past 2 years internationally in Japan, South Korea and the D.R.

Posted a 6.03 ERA and 4.93 FIP in 191 IP as a big leaguer prior to that.

FB/CU/CH pitch mix when he last pitched in MLB. pic.twitter.com/9BwsZY6LD2
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) March 27, 2024

Both Goodrum and Smith are likely to be added to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides roster, joining fellow veteran Garrett Cooper, who just signed a minors deal with Baltimore earlier this week.

Welcome to Birdland, Niko and Burch!

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