Coming off of back-to-back series wins against the teams with the two best records, the Baltimore Orioles might be the best team in baseball.
Moves The Orioles Should Do At The Trade Deadline
Sitting just a half-game back in the American League East, the Baltimore Orioles have been impressive. Baltimore leads the majors in home runs (123) and has homered in every game since June 1st. Going into Friday’s contest, the Orioles scored the most runs (390) and fewest runs allowed (265) in the majors.
The Orioles woke up this morning with the most runs scored (390) and fewest runs allowed (265) in the major leagues.
They might just be the best team in baseball.
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) June 21, 2024
Having lost both John Means and Tyler Wells and Kyle Bradish to season-ending Tommy John surgery, the Orioles have dealt with a lot. Yet, the Orioles have the fifth-best odds, according to FanGraphs, to bring a World Series trophy back to Baltimore. Something this young Orioles squad has been working towards since their historic, division-winning 101-win season last year.
Baltimore Orioles Becoming World Series Contenders In 2024
Corbin Burnes has been a godsend for an Orioles rotation that desperately needed an ace. The former Cy Young winner has made 15 starts with an 8-2 record and a league-leading 2.14 ERA. He’s been brilliant against the AL East, sporting an ERA of 1.13 and a 4-1 record in six appearances. The 29-year-old slated for free agency after this season has provided instant validation for his bold offseason acquisition.
A World Series championship is well in reach for the Orioles in 2024, but they need some help, especially if they want to keep their ace long-term.
Acquire A No. 2 Starter
After trading for Burnes, the Orioles’ rotation
this season was expected to be one of the best in the majors. Which it has been. Their 3.21 ERA ranks third in the majors and second in the American League. But with both Bradish and Means out for the season and Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer spending time on the injured list, Baltimore needs a No. 2.
Baltimore has been linked to several pitchers ahead of the deadline, but left-handers Jesús Luzardo and Garrett Crochet stand out. Luzardo has ace potential, while Crochet has been an ace all season, and both carry extra years of club control. But it’s worth noting that the Marlins southpaw has spent time on the injured list twice already this season.
Kremer should return in a few weeks, adding a much-needed arm back to the rotation, but Baltimore needs all of the depth they can get. Whether that means trading for a potential ace or adding another solid middle rotation arm capable of eating innings.
Boost The Bullpen
Baltimore’s depth has run thin in the ‘pen with Danny Coulombe out until September and both Cole Irvin and Albert Suárez forced into starting roles. The future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel has replaced the injured Félix Bautista who was Mr. Automatic in save situations last year.
In a perfect world, the Orioles would add two new arms to the bullpen capable of shutting down late-inning situations. The Orioles have recently been linked to White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech and Marlins left-hander Tanner Scott. Both would be incredible fits capable of coming in as a set-up reliever or a second closer for the Orioles.
Lock Down The Outfield
Cedric Mullins is having a tough season, but the longtime Orioles center fielder may finally be breaking through. The 29-year-old has heated up slugging .321/.345/.500 with a homer and three RBI in the last seven games. Still, Baltimore is said to be in the market for a right-handed-hitting outfielder given most of their depth is left-handed.
Chicago is seeking a hefty trade package for Luis Robert Jr. which the Orioles brass likely will not give up. Harrison Bader is another Gold Glove center fielder that would be a solid option if the Mets decide to sell. If Colton Cowser were to play more center, a veteran corner outfielder like Tommy Pham could also be a possibility.
Baltimore’s Plan At The Deadline
With the trade deadline a little over a month away, general manager Mike Elias isn’t going to make any quick decisions. Baltimore has one of baseball’s best and deepest farm systems and will be the rare buying team that can control the market. Elias is instead “looking at the whole picture” and plans to let the next few weeks play out to see which teams are selling and what they’re asking for before making any deadline decisions.
Main Photo Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
