Orioles May Be Eyeing An Even Bigger Blockbuster Trade Than Previously Thought

The Baltimore Orioles may have their eyes set on a larger price than that of Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease.

Kade Kistner | Dec 3, 2023

Orioles May Be Eyeing An Even Bigger Blockbuster Trade Than Previously Thought /

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The Baltimore Orioles were always predicted to make a large splash this winter. Reports suggested they would and will play at the top of the pitching market. For many, that means pursuing high-profile free agents to round out the roster that won 101 wins last season.

But everyone could have been barking up the wrong tree. Perhaps it was the trade market along that general manager Mike Elias was referring to?

Yes, we all know about the Dyaln Cease rumors and the potential blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox. But now there is a distinct possibility for something else, for a pitcher with more control.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles could be eyeing Miami Marlins ace Jesus Luzardo.

"The Orioles, with their wealth of position prospects, seem well-positioned to trade for a starting pitcher they could retain for even longer than Cease — say, Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo or Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, both of whom are under club control for three more seasons," writes Rosenthal.

Cease hits the open market after the 2025 MLB season, therefore two years of control. Luzardo on the other hand has an extra year of control and won't hit free agency until 2027.

Luzardo has had two stellar back-to-back seasons for the Marlins. In his last two years, Luzardo has thrown 279.0 innings and posted a 3.48 ERA. However, his 2023 season was his true breakout year in which he posted a 3.58 ERA with a 1.215 WHIP over 178.2 innings.

Luzardo's performance was one of the largest reasons why Miami was in the postseason conversation all the way until the very end.

Adding an arm like that to the Orioles rotation keeps it youthful while adding plenty of impact innings. Of course, it would come at a large cost, something Rosenthal alludes to.

But Baltimore has plenty of promising prospects to get a deal done for a pitcher like Luzardo.

Published Dec 3, 2023

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.