Orioles and Pirates Potential Trade Deadline Moves: Who Steps Up?

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:

**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).
**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.
**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.

**Coby Mayo:** Has shown power in the minors but struggles with contact and pitch recognition in the majors.
**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.

**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.
**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.

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FAQ

- **Q: Why are the Orioles considering selling at the trade deadline?

- **Q: Which Orioles players are most likely to be traded?

- **Q: Who could replace Ryan O'Hearn at first base?

- **Q: What makes Caleb Ferguson an effective reliever for the Pirates?

- **Q: How has Dennis Santana improved his performance?

Takeaways

The Orioles are at a crossroads and may trade valuable players to restock their farm system.
Keep an eye on Orioles pitching prospects like Chayce McDermott, Cameron Weston, and Brandon Young as potential replacements in the rotation.
Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad could get opportunities at first base if O’Hearn is traded.
The Pirates have valuable bullpen arms that could be on the move.
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!

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Sources

Orioles Facing Trade Decision After Gunnar Henderson's Message Leftovers for breakfast If Orioles, Pirates sell at MLB trade deadline, which players have potential to step up?

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