King Félix has Minors deal with O's

The Orioles have agreed to a Minor League contract with former Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández, the club announced on Wednesday. The deal will pay him $1 million if he makes the big league club, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Hernández, 34, didn’t pitch in 2020, as he elected not to play during the pandemic-shortened season.

Before that, the right-hander was attempting to make the Braves’ Opening Day roster on a Minor League deal. He pitched well during Spring Training, allowing three runs and striking out 14 batters in 13 2/3 innings.

Hernández is looking to revitalize his career after posting a 5.42 ERA over 60 games (59 starts) in his final three seasons with the Mariners.

Hernández made his MLB debut for Seattle at age 19 in 2005 and went on to become one of the game’s top aces, registering a 3.16 ERA (126 ERA+) with 2,264 strikeouts in 2,415 2/3 innings over his first 12 seasons.

He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2010 after leading the Majors in ERA (2.27) over a career-high 249 2/3 innings.

The Orioles also announced Minor League deals with infielders Seth Mejias-Brean and Malquin Canelo; left-hander Wade LeBlanc; and right-handers Dusten Knight, Konner Wade and Spenser Watkins.