BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 19: Mike Elias talks to the media after formally being introduced as the ... [+]
Just before the 2018 trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles traded away six players, franchise cornerstone Manny Machado among them, in exchange for a prospect-heavy return. It marked the beginning of an extensive rebuilding process that saw general manager Mike Elias hired months later, several top draft picks and the construction of MLB’s deepest and most talented farm system.
That rebuild was a success. The Orioles returned to the postseason last season, the team was sold to an ownership group that has underscored a “fierce desire to win games” and it currently has the third-most wins in MLB. The process that began in 2018 has culminated in a team with a clear World Series opportunity. Now, Elias faces a different kind of trade deadline test just six years after his predecessors opted for a fire sale.
“I’ve got a sense of urgency to win baseball games,” he said of this year’s deadline. “We’re looking at the whole picture when it comes to the trade deadline. Where our team is at, where our health is at, where we can upgrade, what the market looks like. Which teams are selling, what are they asking for.”
The Orioles will be buying and Elias might opt for any number of improvements, from an offensive addition for the outfield to reinforcement in the bullpen. But a sweep in last season’s playoffs offers a clear path for the next step toward the World Series.
The Baltimore Orioles Need To Address Pitching Depth
The Orioles led the American League West division with 65 wins going into last season’s trade deadline, made a minor addition by trading for pitcher Jack Flaherty and ended up being swept in the AL Division Series as their starting staff struggled. Elias already addressed that weakness in a big way during the offseason, dealing prospective pieces to acquire former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Burnes has been as advertised this season, maintaining a 2.14 ERA and racking up eight wins in 15 starts. But the Orioles’ rotation is hardly any stronger overall than it was last season, as Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells have all been ruled out for the season with injuries. Dean Kremer is currently out as well and the remaining starters, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich and Albert Suárez, have collective experience of zero playoff games.
As a result, a high-caliber starting pitcher remains a clear need for the Orioles if they are to seize this season and take the next step afforded by their recent rebuilding process.
“Now is the time to find a permanent solution,” Danielle Allentuck urged for The Baltimore Banner. “Because it would be naive of Elias to think he didn’t need to bring in additional arms to make a deep postseason run.”
There are several starters who might reinforce the Orioles’ rotation as their current teams are headed toward selling at the deadline. It seems the Miami Marlins are poised to trade Jesús Luzardo. A reunion with Jack Flaherty might make sense as he has enjoyed a bounceback season for the Detroit Tigers. Veteran Luis Severino looks like he has some gas left in the tank as he plays on a one-year deal with the New York Mets.
The Baltimore Orioles Can Add A Frontline Starter In Garrett Crochet
But Chicago White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet could have the biggest impact for a playoff-bound team in the second half of the season. He leads the American League in strikeouts, with a 3.25 ERA and six wins for the woeful South Side club. He seems to have unlocked something in his power offerings this season, with a four-seam/cutter fastball combination that has overpowered hitters.
The White Sox already dealt frontline starter Dylan Cease and his remaining full year of club control earlier this season and would certainly welcome a hefty return of prospects for Crochet. But the offer will have to be a good one, as other teams will be calling and Crochet has two more years of arbitration eligibility.
Beyond a willingness to part with several notable prospects, the big question for Elias is whether or not Crochet really answers his pitching depth questions.
Crochet, who will turn 25 years old tomorrow, has seized the starting role after pitching a combined 73 innings in 72 games over the previous four years. He missed the 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and missed games last year with left shoulder inflammation. So far, though, he seems to be as healthy as any potential acquisition, maintaining high velocity across more than 88 innings this season.
Elias won’t pull the trigger too early on any major acquisition and wouldn’t squander the years of rebuilding by leveraging the system’s top prospects for a player that doesn’t ensure a significant gain in World Series contention. But the time seems to be now, the need is clear and the rebuild is complete. It’s time to take the next step.
