While the Baltimore Orioles have been quiet this offseason, they could soon end that silence with a much-needed and major upgrade to their pitching staff for 2024.
The Orioles seem to be in the midst of a renaissance. After five straight losing seasons that included three years with 100 or more defeats, Baltimore has become one of the premier teams in the American League. After a competitive season in 2022, they followed that up by winning the AL East for the first time in nine years this past season.
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After years of building up their farm system, the process has bared fruit in the form of several rising star players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. However, for as good as their offense and everyday players are and will be in the coming years, their starting rotation was a major weakness and it showed when they were swept out of the playoffs in three games.
The hope of Orioles fans as they entered the offseason was that the team would address that weakness and strengthen their chances for 2024. But, over the first couple of months of hot stove season, they have been MIA from the free agent and trade markets. Well, they could finally make a notable splash soon.
Baltimore Orioles in trade talks for Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease
On Tuesday, MLB Network league insider Jon Morosi revealed they are actually in discussions with a pair of teams for top arms from their staffs.
“They have been active, I am told, in trade conversations,” Morosi said. “Dylan Cease’s name is still out there. He has not moved. And let’s not forget the Miami Marlins have a lot of different pitching arms they could listen on. They’ve got Max Meyer coming, which says someone even as talented as Jesus Luzardo could be available. [Edward] Cabrera, his name could be out there.
“I’m told they’re speaking with both the Marlins about their collection of arms. The White Sox on Dylan Cease, and I would be moderately surprised if the Baltimore Orioles do not add one credible major league starter between now and opening day.”
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Cease has been in trade rumors for weeks as Chicago looks to bolster their roster by dangling the former Cy Young Award contender. He is still under team control for two more seasons.
Max Meyer is one of three pitchers at the top of the Marlins prospect rankings heading into 2024 and he made a pair of starts for the team in 2022 but missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. With him set to return next season, some of their other starters are now expendable.