The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves backed out of agreements to sign Jeff Hoffman because of concerns about the reliever’s pitching shoulder before he finalized a $33 million, three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last week.

The Orioles nearly handed out their first multiyear contract to a free agent pitcher since 2018, but now that player is a Toronto Blue Jay.

The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta backed out of agreements to sign Jeff Hoffman because of concerns about the reliever's pitching shoulder before he finalized a three-year contract worth $33 million US with the Toronto Blue Jays last week.

The Seattle Mariners have re-acquired catcher Blake Hunt in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations.

The death of a former Baltimore Orioles first-round pick has taken an even more tragic turn. According to a Phoenix police report obtained by the Baltimore Banner , it is believed that ex-Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz died of a drug overdose.

BALTIMORE — Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz likely died last week of a drug overdose, according to Phoenix police. Matusz, 37, died Jan. 6 at his home in Arizona. His mother, Elizabeth Matusz, found him with drug paraphernalia on the floor next to his body and a white substance in his mouth,