Kyle Bradish Out for Season Following Surgery
Kyle Bradish will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. This marks a significant blow to the Orioles' pitching staff, which has already been hit hard by injuries this year.
The Orioles' Struggling Pitching Staff
It has been a tough season for the Orioles’ pitchers. John Means and Tyler Wells have both required elbow surgeries, while Dean Kremer is currently sidelined with a strained triceps. Despite these setbacks, the Orioles have maintained a solid rotation.
The current rotation, which includes Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Cole Irvin, Cade Povich, and Albert Suárez, entered Wednesday ranked third in rotation ERA. One bright spot in the lineup has been Albert Suárez, who has delivered notable performances that have helped keep the rotation competitive.
Potential Trade Candidates to Bolster the Rotation
Given the injuries and the current state of their rotation, the Orioles may look to strengthen their pitching lineup through trades. There are several potential trade candidates who could provide the necessary boost.
Among these candidates is Jesús Luzardo, who has been impressive since 2022 with an ERA+ of 118. His consistent performance makes him a strong candidate to join the Orioles.
Paul Blackburn is another potential addition, though he is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. Blackburn has been a league-average starter since 2022, and his return to form could provide reliability to the rotation.
Tyler Anderson, while owed over $20 million through next season, remains a potential option. Anderson's contractual obligations might be a hurdle, but his experience could prove valuable.
Erick Fedde's recent performance has also made him an intriguing option for the Orioles. Though not a standout name, his consistency could be beneficial come playoff time.
Nick Martinez, who has split his season between the rotation and the bullpen, offers flexibility. With a $12 million player option for next year, the Orioles will need to carefully evaluate his fit within their long-term plans.
Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill both offer additional years of team control, making them attractive options from a team-building perspective. Gomber provides another year of control after this season, while Quantrill also comes with extra control, allowing the Orioles to build a more stable future rotation.
Struggling but Promising Candidates
Reid Detmers has shown improved pitch metrics but has struggled with his ERA. If the Orioles' coaching staff believes they can bring out his potential, he could be a valuable addition.
Braxton Garrett, who has posted a 115 ERA+ in 55 appearances since 2022, has dealt with a shoulder impingement. Assuming he can stay healthy, Garrett could offer immediate help and a solid future option.
Garrett Crochet possesses a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a cutter, and a slider. His 130 ERA+ and an impressive 6.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio illustrate his potential as a high-impact addition to the Orioles' rotation.
Crucial Decisions Ahead
Exploring these trade options could be crucial for the Orioles as they look to navigate through their injury woes. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could significantly impact Baltimore's ability to compete for the remainder of the season and beyond.
With key players out, the team must carefully evaluate their options, aiming to find the right balance between immediate performance and long-term stability. The challenge will be identifying the appropriate acquisitions without overextending their resources or creating future financial burdens.
In conclusion, as the Orioles face the final stretch of the season with a depleted pitching staff, the right trades could provide the spark needed to keep their playoff hopes alive. The front office's strategy in managing these complexities will determine whether the team can sustain its competitive edge and strive for postseason success.