Athletics trade Cole Irvin to Orioles for prospect

The Baltimore Orioles acquired left-handed starter Cole Irvin and right-handed minor-league pitcher Kyle Virbitsky from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for infield prospect Darell Hernaiz, the team announced Thursday.

Irvin made 30 starts for the A's last year, authoring a 3.98 ERA and 4.21 FIP over 181 innings. He's slated to become arbitration-eligible for the first time next winter and won't be able to test free agency until after the 2026 campaign.

The 28-year-old joins an Orioles rotation that includes Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, and Tyler Wells. Top prospect Grayson Rodriguez could earn a spot with a strong spring training, and left-hander John Means is expected to rejoin the staff once he's fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in late April last year.

Virbitsky, 24, split the 2022 season between Low-A and High-A, posting a 4.63 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 22 starts and one relief appearance.

Hernaiz, 21, earned a promotion to Double-A last year, hitting .341/.438/.779 with 12 homers and 32 stolen bases in 105 games across three minor-league levels. Originally a shortstop, the Orioles also tried him out at second and third base last year. Prior to the deal, he ranked as Baltimore's No. 16 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.

To clear space on the roster for Irvin, the Orioles designated left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez for assignment. The division-rival Boston Red Sox had recently claimed Hernandez on waivers.