As the trade deadline approaches, the Baltimore Orioles are set to be buyers for the second consecutive year. Currently sitting at 60-39 and leading the American League East by two games over the New York Yankees, the Orioles are in a strong position. However, they have several areas that need improvement. The team has lost multiple starters to injury and began the season without All-Star closer Félix Bautista. Both starters and relievers are necessary for Baltimore to become a top contender. Additionally, the Orioles have struggled with outfield production. While Anthony Santander was named an All-Star and Heston Kjerstad has shown promise, the rest of the outfield has underperformed. Let’s rank the positions the Orioles need to upgrade, with 1 being the most needed and 3 being the least.
3. Outfield
At the start of the season, the Orioles’ outfield looked promising. However, aside from All-Star Anthony Santander and rookie Heston Kjerstad, the performance has been disappointing. Former All-Stars Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins have struggled at the plate, both posting an OPS below .700 and a batting average below .250, with Mullins hitting just .214. Colton Cowser, ahead of them on the depth chart, hasn’t fared much better. With three of their five outfielders underperforming, the bottom of the Orioles’ lineup is consistently weak. An upgrade here would be beneficial if the price is right.
One exciting potential upgrade could be Jazz Chisholm Jr. Although there hasn’t been much talk linking him to the Orioles, his combination of a strong bat and solid defense would be a great fit. He could hit plenty of homers with the short right-field fence at Camden Yards. Acquiring Chisholm might require trading Cowser or even Kjerstad, but it could be a significant move.
Despite these outfield struggles, upgrading this position isn’t the top priority for the Orioles. The more pressing needs lie within the pitching staff, where they must focus their efforts.
The remaining priorities would be ranked as follows, though they are not detailed here:
2. Starting Pitching
1. Relief Pitching
The Orioles must address these critical areas to solidify their standing as top contenders as the trade deadline nears.
2. Relief Pitcher
For any contender, upgrading the bullpen is always a wise move, but for the Orioles, it’s essential. Ten years ago, in 2014, the Orioles traded for prime reliever Andrew Miller at the deadline. Miller posted a 1.35 ERA over the next two months and helped lead the team to their most recent ALCS appearance. Baltimore should consider a similar strategy this year. Despite already having a strong bullpen, adding another elite arm could be crucial, especially given the numerous pitcher injuries this season.
Potential targets include Mason Miller and Tanner Scott, both of whom were All-Stars this season and have been dominant relievers. While the cost for such talent would be high, it might be worth it. However, even though an additional All-Star reliever would be beneficial, addressing the lack of starting pitching depth is a more pressing priority for the Orioles.
Bleacher Report laid out a potential trade proposal for the Orioles to acquire A’s closer Mason Miller:
– 2B Connor Norby
– OF Dylan Beavers
– RHP Seth JohnsonWould you do this trade for the Orioles to get the most dominant reliever in baseball? pic.twitter.com/FmbRc2td1P
— 𝙆am Brice (@kambrice1tv) July 1, 2024
1. Starting Pitcher
The Orioles have suffered significant losses in their starting rotation due to injuries, depleting their once robust depth. Additionally, some pitchers forced into larger roles have struggled. Over the past month, the Orioles’ team ERA has ballooned to 4.92, ranking 26th in MLB—an unacceptable figure for a team with World Series aspirations. With All-Star starter Corbin Burnes leading the rotation, the Orioles need to find quality arms to follow him. There are numerous available pitchers with varying talents and price tags, and the Orioles need to acquire at least one, if not two, to bolster their rotation and push for a World Series title.
The most notable pitcher on the market is Tarik Skubal. The Orioles have the assets to trade for him, but the Detroit Tigers might opt to retain him. Nevertheless, there are other viable options. The Cincinnati Reds have recently positioned themselves as sellers and have multiple solid starters available. Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox are also good options.
Adding a reliable starting pitcher is the most critical need for the Orioles at the trade deadline. Their rotation’s current struggles necessitate an additional dependable arm. If they were to make only one trade, it should be for a starting pitcher, which would significantly elevate their status as a top-tier contender.