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Orioles and Pirates Potential Trade Deadline Moves: Who Steps Up?
11 months agoUS
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, both the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates face critical decisions. The Orioles, despite preseason expectations, may become sellers due to underperformance and injuries. Meanwhile, the Pirates have bullpen arms that could attract significant trade interest. This analysis examines potential trade candidates and identifies in-house players who could fill the gaps.
Key Insights
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The Orioles have several starting pitchers (Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano) who are potential trade candidates as they approach free agency.
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Key Orioles pitching prospects who could step up include Chayce McDermott, Cameron Weston, and Brandon Young.
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Ryan O’Hearn is a significant trade piece for the Orioles, leaving a hole at first base that could be filled by Coby Mayo or Heston Kjerstad.
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The Pirates have three bullpen arms (David Bednar, Dennis Santana, Caleb Ferguson) who could be traded, with Santana and Ferguson poised to take on larger roles.
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Caleb Ferguson has improved his pitch mix, particularly against lefties, making him a reliable option in higher-leverage situations. Dennis Santana's revamped slider usage has led to improved control and effectiveness.
In-Depth Analysis
Baltimore Orioles
Starting Pitchers:
The Orioles may trade Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, or Tomoyuki Sugano, all of whom are nearing free agency. Eflin is currently on the IL, while Morton and Sugano are healthy.
Potential replacements from Triple-A include:
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Chayce McDermott:: The Orioles’ top pitching prospect. McDermott needs to improve his control to be a reliable starter. He throws a fastball (93 mph), slider (83 mph), and changeup (83 mph).
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Cameron Weston:: Weston lacks a true plus pitch but has expanded his arsenal, featuring a fastball, slider, changeup, splitter, and cutter. He has shown an ability to get strikeouts and ground balls.
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Brandon Young:: Young has already started games for Eflin, featuring a five-pitch mix. His curveball is his best offering, but he needs to improve his control.
First Base:
If Ryan O’Hearn is traded, Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad are options to fill the void.
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Coby Mayo:: Has shown power in the minors but struggles with contact and pitch recognition in the majors.
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Heston Kjerstad:: Like Mayo, Kjerstad's strength is power, but he struggles with pitch recognition and swing decisions.
A platoon of Mayo and Kjerstad could be the most effective short-term solution.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have three bullpen arms that could attract trade interest: David Bednar, Dennis Santana, and Caleb Ferguson. Ferguson is a free agent at the end of the season, while Bednar and Santana have another year under team control.
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Caleb Ferguson:: Has a 2.85 FIP and improved hard-hit rate due to changes in pitch mix, particularly against lefties, primarily utilizing his sinker.
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Dennis Santana:: Has improved his control and pitch usage, especially his slider. By throwing the slider in the zone more, Santana has improved his walk rate and overall effectiveness.
FAQs
Why are the Orioles considering selling at the trade deadline?
Due to underperformance and injuries, they are 7.5 games back of the final wild card spot and 12 games back in the AL East.
Which Orioles players are most likely to be traded?
** - A: Starting pitchers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, as well as first baseman Ryan O’Hearn.
Who could replace Ryan O'Hearn at first base?
** - A: Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad are potential replacements, possibly in a platoon.
What makes Caleb Ferguson an effective reliever for the Pirates?
** - A: He has improved his pitch mix, particularly his sinker against lefties, leading to a better hard-hit rate and overall effectiveness.
How has Dennis Santana improved his performance?
** - A: He has improved his control and pitch usage, especially by throwing his slider in the zone more often.
Key Takeaways
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The Orioles are at a crossroads and may trade valuable players to restock their farm system.
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Keep an eye on Orioles pitching prospects like Chayce McDermott, Cameron Weston, and Brandon Young as potential replacements in the rotation.
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Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad could get opportunities at first base if O’Hearn is traded.
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The Pirates have valuable bullpen arms that could be on the move.
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Caleb Ferguson and Dennis Santana are poised to take on larger roles in the Pirates' bullpen if trades occur.
Discussion
Do you think the Orioles should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? Which players do you think will step up? Let us know!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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