Baltimore Orioles set sights on Marlins’ pitchers in offseason trade talks
As the dust settles from the General Managers’ meetings, the anticipation for a bustling offseason in the MLB is heating up. With free agency and trades poised to dominate the headlines, the focus turns to the pitching market. Leading the charge in the free agency sweepstakes are Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres and Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros. However, teams that miss out on these coveted arms will soon be looking for alternatives, including potential trade targets.
Orioles’ Intentions to Upgrade the Rotation
Among the teams actively seeking to bolster their rosters is the Baltimore Orioles. With aspirations to contend in a competitive American League East, which features heavyweights like the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox, the Orioles have multiple areas of need, particularly in their starting rotation. The Orioles’ willingness to spend more in the offseason could signal a shift in their approach, making them a key player in the trade market.
The Miami Marlins emerge as a potential trade partner, with their strong pitching depth making them a prime target for Baltimore. MLB Network’s Steve Phillips emphasized the necessity for the Orioles to address their starting pitching woes, suggesting a call to Miami could be in their future if free agency falls short.
Marlins’ Pitching Depth and Trade Possibilities
The Marlins, however, are unlikely to entertain offers for top-tier arms like Cease or Valdez, as doing so might only inflate their market value among competitors. Instead, the focus shifts to two promising pitchers: Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Both have been featured prominently in trade discussions, but Miami is not in a hurry to part with either player.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network highlighted the Marlins as a team likely to move a starting pitcher this winter, stating, “Now, a team that I think has probably a higher chance of moving a starter this winter is the Miami Marlins. Sandy Alcántara and Edward Cabrera are two names that are very popular right now.” He explained that Miami possesses one of the deepest starting pitching rotations in baseball, with Alcantara and Cabrera standing out among a pool of emerging talent.
Challenges for the Orioles in Trade Negotiations
If the Orioles are serious about acquiring one of these Marlins pitchers, they face a significant challenge. Phillips pointed out that Baltimore’s prospect pool is limited, with many of their top prospects already making their presence felt at the major league level. This situation raises questions about how much the Orioles may be willing to part with in a potential trade.
The two teams have previously engaged in a trade, with Miami acquiring outfielder Kyle Stowers at the 2024 trade deadline. That deal has proven beneficial for the Marlins, showcasing Stowers’ breakout performance in the majors. As the Orioles prepare for an aggressive offseason, the prospect of adding a pitcher from Miami could be a game-changer in their pursuit of postseason contention.
