Baltimore Orioles Are Top Trade Candidate for Elite Starter, According to MLB Insider.
The Baltimore Orioles have been linked to one of the top starting pitchers who could become available around the trade deadline.
Before the July 30 trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles have plenty of time to narrow down on the target areas they wish to pursue, but it appears like they will undoubtedly require pitching assistance for the remainder of the season.
It stings to lose Tyler Wells and John Means, but at the moment, one of their best prospects, Cade Povich, has been asked to pitch crucial innings.
They may be able to meet one of their needs if he can demonstrate that he belongs in this rotation going forward, which Mile Elias will provide him with.
Whatever Povich does, though, it’s probable that they will still be looking for a starting pitcher.
It’s unclear who that player could be at this point, but there’s a potential they could go all in and sign one of the top players who is anticipated to become available.
Since this offseason, when the front offices of the two teams discussed putting together a deal to transfer the outstanding left-hander to Baltimore, the Orioles have been connected to Jesus Luzardo of the Miami Marlins.
In the end, they decided that the asking price was too high and switched to Corbin Burnes, who has possibly even exceeded their expectations.
However, Jon Heyman of The New York Post believes that the Orioles are the favorites to get Luzardo for the second half of the season, with the Marlins probably going to be sellers.
This is something they should absolutely pursue, depending on the cost to obtain him.
After the season, Burnes will become a free agent, and it is anticipated that he will sign a deal that is probably beyond Baltimore’s means. Luzardo might still provide this team a three-headed monster because he is still under club control through 2026. He could occupy a slot at the top of their rotation.
The left-hander’s performance is undoubtedly different from what it was in the past.
After making 11 starts in 2024, his ERA was 5.11, which is higher than the sub-4.00 he had in his two previous years with Miami.
Nevertheless, he would undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Orioles in their quest for a World Series both this season and in the future.