The MLB trade deadline on July 30 is fast approaching.
Teams are gearing up to either buy, sell, or hold their current rosters, hoping for some blockbuster deals.
This time, we’re focusing on the Baltimore Orioles who are leading the Yankees in the American League East and aiming for a better playoff run than last year.
What They Need
The Orioles have had a stellar season with 101 wins and a division title in 2023, continuing their success into 2024. Their goal now is to win the World Series. To do that, they need to strengthen their roster by adding a starting pitcher and a reliable reliever.
Injuries have been an issue. They traded for Corbin Burnes over the winter, who has been great as their ace. However, Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells are all out with elbow injuries for the rest of 2024. Grayson Rodriguez shows promise but they need another top-tier pitcher alongside Burnes to make a deep playoff run.
The bullpen also took a hit when Félix Bautista underwent Tommy John surgery. They signed veteran Craig Kimbrel as a replacement. While Kimbrel has performed well overall this season, they still need another strong reliever just in case Kimbrel falters when it matters most.
What They Can Give Up
Baltimore has an impressive group of young players and one of the best farm systems in baseball due to smart drafting and past tanking seasons. This gives them plenty of assets to trade without hurting their future prospects.
General Manager Mike Elias is known for holding onto prospects tightly but now he needs to use those assets wisely under new owner David Rubenstein who seems more committed to winning games than previous ownership.
The Orioles have enough talent to make significant trades without jeopardizing their future. Players like Coby Mayo, Samuel Basallo, Connor Norby, Heston Kjerstad could be included in trades. Trading Jackson Holliday might be unlikely but not impossible if the right deal comes along. Kyle Stowers could also add value as part of any trade package.
Possible Trade Targets
Elias wants pitchers under team control beyond 2024. Here are three potential targets:
The Tigers would be crazy to trade Skubal who’s not eligible for free agency until after 2026 but Baltimore should use its prospect power to try anyway. Skubal has health concerns but he’s proven himself an ace with impressive stats over two seasons including high strikeout rates and low ERA numbers which makes him worth pursuing even if it means parting with top prospect Holliday.
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