Orioles Touted As a Top Contender for Ace Pitcher in Potential Trade

The Baltimore Orioles have been listed as a top suitor for an ace pitcher in a potential blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins.

Kade Kistner | Jan 1, 2024

Orioles Touted As a Top Contender for Ace Pitcher in Potential Trade /

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The Baltimore Orioles front office has consistently said they were going to add impact pitching to their rotation. Whether that means they would play at the top of the free agent pool or pursue a blockbuster trade is still unknown.

However, it makes sense to assume that the Orioles are exploring trade opportunities. They have a very young core and an incredible farm system, the best in baseball in fact.

One potential trade Baltimore could pull off is for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo who has ace potential. According to Bleacher Report the Orioles are the second most likely landing spot for Luzardo in a possible blockbuster trade.

"We mentioned earlier that Jesús Luzardo straight up for Jackson Holliday would theoretically be a fair trade. But Baltimore would never do that," writes Kerry Miller. "However, the O's do have plenty of other valuable young position players they could dangle to bring the Marlins to the negotiating table..."

"The O's stockpiled hitting prospects for so long that they now have quite the surplus of them. Mayo has a ton of potential, but they can trade him without skipping a beat. Mayo wouldn't be enough for a one-for-one swap, but it's a big start. And 19-year-old Samuel Basallo might get the deal across the finish line."

Here is the entire trade package that B/R is postulating:

Trade Package: Miami sends LHP Jesús Luzardo to Baltimore for 1B/3B Coby Mayo and C/1B Samuel Basallo

That would be a rare deal in which both sides probably come out evenly. Luzardo slots in well to the rotation and has three years of team control with a low salary projected at $5.9 million, per Spotrac.

It plays well into Baltimore financial situation and still meets their comments on pursuing impact pitching, a must if they hope to repeat the successes of 2023. Add in the fact that they would be dealing from excess and it's a deal they should capitalize on if it the opportunity comes to fruition.

Published Jan 1, 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.