Former MLB GM Pitches Perfect Orioles Trade Idea for New York Mets Starter

The Baltimore Orioles are in need of a starter and one former MLB GM thinks the New York Mets may have the answer.

Kade Kistner | Jun 17, 2024

Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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The Baltimore Orioles will need to address their rotation ahead of the MLB trade deadline on July 30 if they hope to make a real run at a World Series in October.

With John Means, Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells all on the injured, two of which have season-ending injuries, the focus went from upgrading around the edges of the roster to needing an impact move.

Acquiring a starter in the current market won't be cheap. Only a handful of clubs are currently sellers and only a few more may be a month from now. The starting pitching market is thin, therefore, the prices will be high to acquire talent that may not make an impact beyond this season.

According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, the Orioles could find some respite with the New York Mets and their starter Luis Severino.

"Kyle Bradish is back on the IL with a UCL sprain, and that should make the Orioles pivot from the bullpen to the rotation as their top trade priority," writes Bowden. "Luis Severino is a perfect fit based on his past experience in the AL East with the Yankees..."

"In return, the Mets would acquire Trace Bright, a fifth-round pick in 2022 out of Auburn who is one of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects. He has a 3.91 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 53 innings this season with Double-A Bowie, but has work to do with his delivery, command and control (1.472 WHIP). In addition, the Mets would get outfielder Jud Fabian, who has slashed .241/.316/.462 with 12 home runs and 29 RBIs in 199 at-bats in Double A. He is expendable because of the plethora of outfield prospects the Orioles rate above him."

As Bowden points out, Baltimore would be dealing from a position of excess and strength, so it wouldn't break the proverbial prospect bank. But they would be getting a starter who owns a 3.12 ERA with a 4-2 record through 13 starts this season.

That's nothing to scoff at when trying to rebuild a rotation midseason. Whether or not the prospect haul is enough to get the job done for New York is another matter entirely.

Published Jun 17, 2024

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.