Orioles acquire Logan Verrett from Mets

The Orioles are bringing back one of their former Rule 5 picks.

The club announced this afternoon that it acquired right-hander Logan Verrett from the Mets in exchange for cash considerations.

Verrett, 26, was chosen from the Mets at the 2014 Winter Meetings, exposed to waivers in spring training and claimed by the Rangers, who later returned him to his original organization. The Orioles kept their other Rule 5 acquisition, right-hander Jason Garcia, regarded as less polished but having a higher ceiling.

Verrett made a tremendous impression on the Orioles in spring training, registering a 1.88 ERA in nine appearances, walking two and striking out 12. He was 11-5 with a 4.33 ERA in 28 starts with Triple-A Las Vegas before the Orioles selected him.

The 2016 season didn't play out as Verrett and the Mets anticipated. He was 3-8 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.560 WHIP in 35 games (12 starts) over 91 2/3 innings. He also averaged 4.2 walks per nine innings.

Verrett is 4-10 with a 4.65 ERA and 1.378 WHIP in 53 major league games, including 16 starts. He's 35-16 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.215 WHIP in five minor league seasons.

"Good, solid, dependable kid," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text message. "Every staff needs a pitcher who can pitch multiple roles like Logan Verrett.

"Glad to have him back."

Verrett's ability to serve as a swingman and cover multiple innings doesn't bode well for the return of right-hander Vance Worley, who's arbitration-eligible again and projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $3.3 million next season. Worley already was a non-tender candidate before Verrett's arrival.

Verrett, a third-round pick in 2011 out of Baylor University, made $514,875 this year and is under team control through 2022. He has one minor league option remaining.

With the acquisition, there are now 36 players on the Orioles' 40-man roster.