Orioles DFA Dietrich Enns After Lackluster 2026 Season

The Baltimore Orioles designated left-hander Dietrich Enns for assignment on Thursday to make room for recalled reliever Nick Raquet. The move comes after a season in which Enns struggled to live up to expectations, posting a 3.94 ERA but a concerning 5.24 SIERA in 16 innings pitched.

Enns, 35, had an interesting 2025 season in which he returned to North American baseball after pitching overseas from 2022 to 2024. He made appearances for both the Detroit Tigers and the Orioles, totaling 46 1/3 innings with a 4.08 ERA. His 24.5% strikeout rate and 7.5% walk rate were both slightly above league average, but his .338 BABIP inflated his ERA beyond his underlying numbers.

This year, Enns was slowed by a left foot infection that landed him on the injured list from early April to early May. Upon his return, he has posted a 3.94 ERA but with a 18.6% strikeout rate and a 15.7% walk rate. His SIERA of 5.24 suggests his performance has been worse than last year, despite a slightly better ERA. Enns has also been used on back-to-back days in recent outings, a sign of a strained Orioles bullpen.

The O’s signed Enns to a one-year, $2.625 million deal for the 2026 season with a club option for 2027. His contract is now a major factor in the decision to DFA him, as the team may struggle to find trade interest given his poor performance and age. If Enns clears waivers, he can either accept a minor league assignment or elect free agency, though the latter would cost him the remaining money owed on his contract.

Enns was part of a 13-inning game between the Rays and Orioles last night, in which Baltimore used six relievers. With a taxed pitching staff and a need for fresh arms, the timing of the DFA is strategic. The Orioles have five days to trade Enns before he could be outrighted to the minors.

Teams interested in Enns will need to consider both his potential and risk. While his 2025 numbers showed some promise, his 2026 season has been a disappointment. The Orioles now turn their attention to Raquet, who will look to solidify the bullpen as the team continues its 2026 campaign.