MLB Rumors: Nelson Cruz looming destination, Orioles, Padres

2 of 3

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 05: Felix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 3, 2023 in Bronx borough of New York City. Baltimore Orioles defeated the New York Yankees 6-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Expect the Orioles to target rotation reinforcements

With the Baltimore Orioles at 54-35, and firmly in the American League East divisional hunt, the team is expected to be buyers at the deadline. And one area to watch is the rotation.

Entering the season, the rotation was the team’s clear weakness. Through the midway point of the regular season, their pitching staff ranks 16th in baseball in ERA (4.14) and 22nd in OBA (.251).

The Orioles have an abundance of prospects to trade from, though the lack of high-end starting pitchers could make that pursuit difficult. But the Orioles will be involved in that market — and the next 7-10 days will go a long way in determining what exactly that market looks like.

“As things stand today, our deadline work is identifying potentially available players that will increase our odds at a playoff run,” GM Mike Elias said. “I think we have the talent in the system that other teams will find it appealing to talk to us. The breadth and depth of the sell side of the trade market is hard for me to read right now, though.”

Expect Baltimore to make plenty of noise.

Home/MLB