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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Orioles: Trading for James Shields

The Orioles entered the 2016 in a tricky position between contending and rebuilding following a .500 season last year. Re-signing Chris Davis to the largest deal in franchise history and bringing in Yovani Gallardo gave Baltimore hope for contention, even with some holes in the roster.

Those hopes are fueled by a great start to the season, as Baltimore sits at 23-13. With a couple of other teams in the AL East struggling, the Orioles are well on their way to being buyers at the deadline.

Baltimore’s biggest need to address at the deadline will be the starting rotation. Gallardo is out with a shoulder injury (after failing is initial physical), and the back end of the rotation has been ineffective.

While a mid-rotation starter could do wonder for the Orioles, they need to be careful with who they choose. Shields, one a the big names who will surely be available at the deadline, is starter they should shy away from.

The 34-year old’s numbers were down across the board last year due to a sky-high 1.47 HR/FB ratio per FanGraphs. While Shields has been better through eight starts this year, he’s still giving up long balls a bit too high a clip to succeed in Camden Yards.

Throw in the fact that Shields still has $42 million left on his deal for another two years after 2016, and acquiring him could backfire for a team with little to spend. The Orioles would do better adding a cheaper option, while hoping Kevin Gausman can take the next step and become a top-level pitcher.

Next: Boston Red Sox: Selling Andrew Benintendi

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