The Atlanta Braves were among the most aggressive teams leading up to the trade deadline, executing a total of six trades over a mere four-day period. These moves have only bolstered an already formidable Orioles squad as they set their sights on a World Series title.
Two of these trades involved an unexpected partner: the Philadelphia Phillies. This collaboration was surprising given that both the Phillies and the Orioles are contending for the championship this season, with a potential World Series matchup between the two teams quite plausible.
In these trades, the Orioles acquired two relievers from Philadelphia: Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto. Both players have had their share of successes and struggles with the Phillies. In exchange, the Orioles sent Austin Hays and a few prospects to Philadelphia. This trade was seen as a strategic move to enhance the Orioles’ bullpen as they approach the postseason.
Adding to their trend of acquiring players previously with the Phillies, the Orioles recently signed Jean Segura, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. This move has sparked curiosity and a bit of bewilderment among fans and analysts alike.
The signing of Segura, a 12-year veteran, seems to take the Orioles’ fascination with former Phillies to a new level. Segura’s stint with the Phillies spanned four seasons, during which he was primarily used as a second baseman and showed solid performance. However, after his time in Philadelphia, Segura signed a two-year contract with the Miami Marlins. His tenure with the Marlins was less impressive, culminating in a dismal .219/.277/.279 slash line over 85 games. He was subsequently traded to the Guardians, where he was released shortly after.
At 34 years old and coming off a particularly rough season in 2023, Segura has not played a single game of professional baseball in 2024. The Orioles’ decision to sign him to a minor league deal raises questions about their expectations. It’s possible that Segura could serve as a backup or insurance for Coby Mayo, who has had a challenging start to his MLB career. However, it’s worth noting that the signing of J.D. Davis was initially intended to address similar needs.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with bringing in a player on a minor league contract. Segura was once a productive hitter and there’s a chance he could still have something left to offer. The oddity lies in the fact that the Orioles are continuing their trend of signing players who were discarded by the Phillies. While this strategy has its merits, the latest addition of Segura—given his recent performance history and age—adds a layer of intrigue to the Orioles’ offseason moves.
Overall, the Orioles’ continued pursuit of former Phillies players is both a strategic choice and a curious trend. As they aim to strengthen their roster for a World Series run, these moves reflect a unique approach to team-building, blending proven talent with players who might be looking for a fresh start in Baltimore. Whether these acquisitions will pay off remains to be seen, but they certainly add an element of unpredictability to the Orioles’ season.
