MLB Rumors: Orioles Gearing Up For Big Trade?
Their recent signing of Ramón Laureano to a one-year deal may seem like a minor move, but it adds to an already crowded outfield, raising speculation that Baltimore is preparing to deal from its surplus to land a frontline starting pitcher.
"Laureano feels like excess right now," Kline wrote, "but if the O’s use his arrival to set up another, more impactful addition, fans will look back quite fondly on the move."
Mama, Luis Castillo just killed a man. pic.twitter.com/A3JFxCtO8D
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 12, 2024
With their rotation still lacking a true ace, the Orioles have been linked to pitchers like Dylan Cease and Luis Castillo, making a trade for a top arm a real possibility.
One name that stands out as a potential trade chip is Heston Kjerstad.
The 25-year-old outfielder is among Baltimore’s top young bats but finds himself behind Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, and now Laureano on the depth chart.
I'm willing to die on this hill...
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) February 8, 2025
Dylan Cease is not that good! These are just not outstanding numbers and he's certainly not the "Ace" the mainstream media keeps claiming him to be. One very good season (2022) in his career - that's it. That was also in MLB's weakest division. pic.twitter.com/1ujQGPTjRa
"If the Orioles decide to trade for pitching, though, it may require shedding a bit of young talent in the outfield," Kline noted, suggesting that Baltimore’s deep prospect pool gives them the flexibility to make a blockbuster move.
With back-to-back postseason exits and a roster built to contend now, the Orioles have both the incentive and the assets to finally solidify their rotation.
If they do make a move for an ace, Laureano’s signing could be the first domino to fall.
Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
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