Gavin Floyd signs with Atlanta Braves

Who needs starting pitching anyway?

This afternoon the Atlanta Braves announced that they have signed right handed pitcher/Maryland native Gavin Floyd to a one-year, $4 million deal. My podcast co-host Matt Lund had been advocating Floyd as an affordable, high-upside arm for the Orioles.

At $4 million, he’ll be just that — but in Atlanta rather than Baltimore.

Floyd is coming off an injury shortened season in which he started just five games for the White Sox prior to Tommy John surgery in early May. In seven seasons in Chicago, Floyd posted a 4.22 ERA over 168 starts with a 1.296 WHIP, 7.1 K/9 and 2.54 K/BB.

Between 2008-2012, Floyd averaged 190 innings pitched per season. The only Orioles starter to throw more in 2013 was Chris Tillman, 206.1.

I’m not sure why the Orioles weren’t in on Floyd, especially for that salary.