Orioles Linked in Possible Trade for Tigers' Star Starting Pitcher

The Baltimore Orioles could end up considering another blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher.

Jun 9, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Comerica Park. / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles have found tremendous success following their blockbuster offseason trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for starting pitcher Corbin Burnes.

It was a move that shook the baseball landscape when it happened and it hasn't disappointed. Burnes has been a huge part of the success that the Orioles have been finding so far this year.

After making that big of a move and finding so much success, could Baltimore consider pursuing another blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher?

The Athletic's Jim Bowden has seemingly suggested that the Orioles could be a suitor for a star pitcher that might hit the trade market before next month's MLB trade deadline.

He has suggested that Baltimore could be a potential fit for Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal.

"He’s tied for the major-league lead among pitchers with 3.9 bWAR. And he comes with two additional years of control. However, both of these execs suggested that if a team like the Orioles or Dodgers decided they wanted to trade significant prospects — both in quality and quantity — there could be an offer so good, the rebuilding Tigers won’t be able to say 'no.'"

Skubal would be a massive addition for Baltimore if they did end up pulling off a trade.

So far during the 2024 MLB season, the 27-year-old pitcher has started in 16 games. He has compiled a 9-3 record to go along with a 2.32 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, a 5.9 K/BB ratio, and has thrown 97.0 innings.

Those numbers would propel the Orioles to being an even more serious World Series contender. As currently constructed, they are already viewed as a huge threat.

Not only would Baltimore be acquiring another star pitcher for the rest of 2024, Skubal comes with multiple years of contract control. He would fit the long-term timeline for the Orioles as well.

As Bowden suggested, pulling off a trade for Skubal would not be cheap. Baltimore would need to pay dearly to get him. But, just like the Burnes deal, the ability to acquire a proven star for young talent would be a wise gamble.

While this is only a suggestion and is not actually being discussed by the two teams, it's intriguing to think about. If an opportunity to acquire Skubal did arise, the Orioles should aggressively pursue it.