The Orioles are very aggressive in trade talks to boost their pitching staff.
“They are still very active, I am told, in trade conversations,” Morosi stated on MLB Network. “I would be moderately surprised … if the Baltimore Orioles do not add one credible Major League starter between now and Opening Day.”
According to MLB.com, the Orioles had the seventh-best ERA in 2023 at 3.89, while keeping opponents to 177 home runs, the fourth-best total in the league. However, while its youthful core of hitters rises, led by Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, with top-ranked prospect Jackson Holliday waiting in the wings, the team’s pitching rotation is considered as a weakness.
The Texas Rangers swept the Orioles in the 2023 American League Divisional Series, with starters Kyle Bradish (3.86 ERA in Game 1), Grayson Rodriguez (27.00 ERA in Game 2), and Dean Kremer (32.40 ERA in Game 3) all struggling. Free agents Jack Flaherty and Kyle Gibson have left the team.
Looking to make a deeper postseason run in 2024, the Orioles are allegedly interested in one of the best starters on the market as well as a stable of prospective National League aid.
“When you talk about options for the Orioles, I’m told they’re speaking with both the Marlins about their collection of arms [and] the White Sox on Dylan Cease,” Morosi said, adding that Marlins pitchers Jes Luzardo and Edward Cabrera might be specific targets in a future deal.
Cease’s name has been at the focus of trade speculations since before the offseason even began, with starting pitching firmly entrenched as a top necessity across practically every MLB team. Despite a 4.58 ERA in 2023, the White Sox ace is recognized for a 2022 season in which he finished second in American League Cy Young votes.
And there’s reason to assume the White Sox will try to work out a deal with the Orioles for Cease.
“The Orioles have the best farm system in the game, with a heavy emphasis on position players,” Steve Paradzinski wrote. “Many of these players are obstructed by young, inexpensive talent on the Orioles’ active roster, making them expendable in some ways.” So, to say the least, the fit with the Sox appears logical.”
In terms of a possible deal with the Marlins, Morosi said that Miami may be sellers based only on the depth of their rotation. As a 26-year-old coming off a 3.58 ERA season in 2023, Luzardo would be a valuable asset.