The Baltimore Orioles hit a rough patch after being swept by the Chicago Cubs in their recent series, managing only two runs while conceding 21, a stark contrast to their earlier surge to the top of the American League East standings.
Assessing their current pitching situation is tricky with three starting pitchers sidelined for the season due to injuries, though reinforcements are expected soon.
Despite their pitching woes, the Orioles have shown interest in acquiring top arms like Garrett Crochet. They possess a robust farm system with plenty of talent that could be leveraged in trades, given the depth already present at the major league level.
However, according to insights from Jim Bowden at The Athletic, Baltimore is steadfast in its decision not to trade away its top prospects.
“The Orioles, despite injuries to Kyle Bradish and John Means prompting a search for starting pitching, are committed to keeping their top prospects. They didn’t part with them to acquire Corbin Burnes earlier this year and see no reason to change that stance now.”
With one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, Baltimore feels confident it can secure top-tier starting pitching without sacrificing its best prospects. The team has been involved in discussions with the White Sox, Blue Jays, and Rockies regarding available starters.
While the Orioles may have difficulty acquiring someone like Tarik Skubal without including their top three or four prospects, it’s unlikely they would make such a move.
This doesn’t mean the Orioles should refrain from considering moves that could bolster their roster, such as potentially acquiring Crochet, which would be considered a significant coup. With other teams showing keen interest in the left-hander, Baltimore must be prepared to field competitive offers.
Ultimately, as Baltimore eyes a potential World Series run, they must balance the value of their elite prospects against the immediate needs of their major league squad. While holding onto top-tier talent is advantageous, they should remain open to trades that can enhance their championship aspirations without compromising their long-term strategy.