Orioles Acquire Pitcher Cody Poteet From Cubs Amidst Fan Backlash

Background

The Baltimore Orioles added right-hander Cody Poteet to their organization, acquiring him from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Poteet, 30, was designated for assignment by the Cubs just before Opening Day to clear a 40-man roster spot for Brad Keller. This move quickly followed Poteet's arrival in Chicago as the primary return from the New York Yankees in the deal that sent outfielder Cody Bellinger to the Bronx – a trade largely seen as a salary dump by the Cubs after acquiring Kyle Tucker and seeing the emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Poteet's Journey

Poteet was originally a fourth-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2015. He debuted in 2021, working primarily as a starter before transitioning to a swing role in 2022. His career was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in late 2022, leading to his departure from Miami. After rehabbing and a brief stint in the Royals' system, he signed with the Yankees for the 2024 season, posting a respectable 2.22 ERA over 24.1 MLB innings.

Orioles' Perspective

The acquisition addresses a critical need for Baltimore. The team's pitching depth has been tested early, with multiple key arms on the injured list. Poteet provides an experienced arm, albeit one optioned to Triple-A Norfolk initially, who has both starting and relief experience at the major league level.

Cubs' Fan Reaction

The decision by the Cubs to DFA Poteet so soon after acquiring him in the high-profile Bellinger trade has drawn significant criticism from their fanbase. Many fans view it as poor asset management, essentially leaving the team with little tangible return for a popular and productive player like Bellinger. This adds pressure on the Cubs' front office regarding their offseason moves.

Who is Cody Poteet?

Cody Poteet is a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher with MLB experience for the Marlins and Yankees. He was recently acquired by the Orioles from the Cubs.

Why did the Cubs trade Cody Poteet after just acquiring him?

The Cubs designated Poteet for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster, effectively making him available. This happened shortly after he was received as the main return in the Cody Bellinger trade, leading to fan criticism about the trade's value.

What role might Poteet play for the Orioles?

He provides organizational pitching depth, capable of starting or relieving. Given the Orioles' current injuries, he could potentially see MLB action later in the season if he performs well at Triple-A Norfolk.

How impactful do you think Cody Poteet will be for the Orioles pitching staff this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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