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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Orioles should acquire

By Joshua Sadlock

May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) takes the ball to relieve relief pitcher Alec Asher (51) in the 11th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) takes the ball to relieve relief pitcher Alec Asher (51) in the 11th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Ryan Madson (44) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Ryan Madson (44) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ryan Madson

What reason could Billy Beane possibly have had for guaranteeing $22 million to an aging middle reliever coming off a surprisingly good season after years of injuries? Ryan Madson does not fit in the rebuilding plan in Oakland, but he does offer Beane value as a trade chip. Swapping a few million for a few solid prospects is a back-door way for the A’s to essentially get their hands on extra draft picks.

Madson was out of the big leagues from 2011 to 2015 as he battled injuries. He threw one inning in the minor leagues in 2013 before resurfacing with the Kansas City Royals for their World Series season. Over the past three years since his return, Madson has a 2.83 ERA in 152.2 innings.

The veteran reliever will be 37 in August and is having a solid season. Madson will fall into the second tier of relief options available on the trade market at the deadline. The right-hander has over 40 games of experience in the playoffs and is a two-time World Series champion. In 11.0 career innings in the Fall Classic, Madson has 17 strikeouts.

For the Orioles to make a trade for a setup man like Madson, they will need to feel confident about their chances to make a playoff push this season. The bullpen in Baltimore still has the potential to be solid, but they must add an established veteran to take the final slot that is currently a revolving door of AAAA pitchers.

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