The Baltimore Orioles are considered strong contenders for the American League Pennant in 2024, with a chance to clinch their first World Series title since 1983. Despite several close calls in the past, their roster boasts considerable talent, including Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, Gunnar Henderson, Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, and promising newcomer Colton Cowser. Additionally, their farm system is well-stocked with prospects like Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo, Coby Mayo, Heston Kjerstad, and Enrique Bradfield, all ranked among the top prospects.
Their starting rotation, featuring Corbin Burnes, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, and Cole Irvin, along with the recent return of John Means and the presence of Grayson Rodriguez (currently on the injured list), is a strong suit. However, their bullpen has emerged as a concern, evident in recent games where they squandered leads, highlighting the need for improvement.
Despite Craig Kimbrel’s signing to fill the void left by Felix Bautista’s absence due to injury, Kimbrel has struggled, blowing three saves and posting mixed performance statistics. It may be prudent for the Orioles to reassess their bullpen strategy, potentially shifting Yennier Cano to the closer role and utilizing Kimbrel in middle relief or setup duties. Furthermore, acquiring additional relief pitching options could bolster their bullpen strength and improve their chances of success.
Reliever Options
LHP – Tanner Scott – Miami Marlins
Left-handed pitcher Tanner Scott, currently with the Miami Marlins, appears likely to be traded soon amid the team’s asset sell-off. With his impending free agency after the 2024 season, he could be a valuable addition to the Orioles, where he spent the first five seasons of his career. This season, Scott has made 15 appearances, compiling a 1-4 record with a 2.57 ERA, a 4.94 FIP, a 1.57 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts across 14 innings. Over his career, spanning 326 games, he holds a 23-22 record with a 3.94 ERA, a 3.52 FIP, a 1.42 WHIP, averaging 0.8 HR/9, 5.2 BB/9, and 12.1 K/9.
RHP – Michael Kopech – Chicago White Sox
Right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech, formerly a starter with the Chicago White Sox, has transitioned to the bullpen. In his current role, he holds a 1-3 record in 16 appearances, with a 4.69 FIP, a 1.25 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts over 18.1 innings. Throughout his career, both as a starter and reliever, he has accumulated a 16-28 record with a 4.31 ERA, a 5.00 FIP, a 1.34 WHIP, averaging 1.5 HR/9, 4.7 BB/9, and 9.8 K/9. Kopech could serve as a reliable option for the seventh or eighth inning.
RHP – Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals
Finnegan may not be immediately traded unless the Nationals face a significant downturn, potentially removing them from contention entirely. However, he could still be a valuable addition to any team. Currently holding a 1-2 record with a 1.65 ERA, a 4.26 FIP, a 0.85 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 16.1 innings this season, Finnegan has a career record of 20-20 in 243 appearances, boasting a 3.41 ERA, a 4.23 FIP, a 1.28 WHIP, 1.2 HR/9, 3.7 BB/9, and 9.0 K/9.
RHP – Dylan Floro – Washington Nationals
Right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro could also be a potential trade piece, given his impending free agency after the current season. With 17 appearances so far, he holds a 0-0 record with a 0.49 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts across 18.1 innings. Throughout his career spanning 347 appearances, Floro has gone 26-22 with a 3.27 ERA, a 3.07 FIP, a 1.30 WHIP, 0.5 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, and 8.3 K/9. He could fit into the seventh or eighth-inning role for the Orioles, although he has accumulated 32 saves over his career.
RHP – Ryan Helsley – St. Louis Cardinals
Another potential trade candidate is Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Cardinals facing struggles, especially with their offense, Helsley might find himself on the move. However, he is under contract until 2025, potentially making him part of the Orioles’ bullpen next season alongside Bautista and Cano. This season, Helsley has a 2-2 record with a 1.50 ERA in 18 appearances, including 11 saves. He holds a 2.10 FIP, a 0.88 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts over 18 innings. Throughout his career spanning 192 games, Helsley has a 23-12 record with a 2.72 ERA, a 3.25 FIP, a 1.07 WHIP, 0.8 HR/9, 3.6 BB/9, and 10.6 K/9.
