MLB Trade Rumors: Orioles finalizing deal for Jeremy Hellickson with Phillies

The MLB Trade Deadline is a few days aways. Talks between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies are ongoing regarding starting pitching.

Now that the All-Star Break is in the rearview mirror, teams across Major League Baseball are evaluating if they are in the hunt for October or preparing for next season. Teams, like the Chicago Cubs, took strides and won games to establish them being buyers in the trade market. Others, like White Sox, are liquidating assets as quickly as possible.

Then you have teams like the Baltimore Orioles. They won six of their last 10 games, losing their last two. Currently, six teams are ahead of them in the American League Wildcard standings. The odds are not in their favor.

Don’t tell that to Dan Duquette and Peter Angelos in the Orioles’ front office.

Yes, you are reading that correctly. The Orioles are actively talking to the Philadelphia Phillies about adding to their starting rotation. Granted, if they were to make it to the playoffs, they will need starting pitching. The player in question is Jeremy Hellickson.

UPDATE: It appears that a deal is being finalized.

On the season, Hellickson notched a record of 6-5, starting 20 games. His ERA this season is 4.73, and he’s only struck out 65 batters while walking 30. While he is not the team’s best starting pitcher, he is the most consistent and reliable.

But, the question remains as to why the Orioles are attempting to buy at this point. The team’s run differential is -74 going into play today. They are fourth in the American League East. And, recently, they were said to be shopping their relief pitchers Zach Britton and Darren O’ Day.

Next: Ranking every World Series winner

I guess the illustrious illusions of grandeur at tempting to those that desire success. That said, buying when you are piled behind some many teams seems odd. Something must be afoot.