The Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds are both expected to be active at the trade deadline, but their strategies differ significantly.
The Reds were initially undecided between buying and selling. However, after suffering a humiliating three-game sweep by the Washington Nationals, MLB insider Jon Morosi reports that the Reds are now planning to sell off some of their expiring contracts, including pitchers Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez.
Sources: The Reds, swept by the Nats this weekend, are indicating to teams that they are willing to move players on expiring contracts.
The Orioles are among the clubs with interest in their pitching, including Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2024
The Reds and Orioles might strike a deal before the deadline if Baltimore fails to land top-tier targets. The Orioles are definite buyers, focusing on bolstering their pitching staff. They are looking for both starting pitchers and relievers, and could explore various options in the market. Their targets range from Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal to Reds’ bullpen arms Buck Farmer and Justin Wilson. Baltimore is expected to consider all potential options in the upcoming days.
I anticipate that Baltimore will initially target the top-tier pitchers currently available.
The Orioles may pursue star pitchers such as Mason Miller, Tarik Skubal, Tanner Scott, and Camilo Doval. However, acquiring these stars would likely require significant prospect capital, including some of their highly valued top ten prospects. There is a possibility that the Orioles might not secure any true stars at the deadline.
If they miss out on these major targets, they might turn to the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have a variety of pitchers available for potential trades, making them a viable fallback option for Baltimore.
The most intriguing options are Buck Farmer, Frankie Montas, and Nick Martinez. They could provide the depth the Orioles desperately need for the second half of the season.
Montas has a 4.85 ERA over 89 innings this year, with inconsistent performances. A change of scenery, especially to a team as in need of pitching as Baltimore, might help him turn his season around.
Martinez has a 3.88 ERA this season and has excelled in a relief role, with a 1.94 ERA over 46.1 innings compared to an ERA near 8.00 in five starts. He could be a strong long relief option for the Orioles.
Farmer, signed to a one-year deal, is the most affordable option of the three, boasting an ERA under 3.00. He has posted a solid 1.0 WAR and has been a reliable reliever for the Reds.